Phenergan for Sleep: Is it Safe and Effective? Discover Natural Alternatives for Quality Rest
If you struggle with sleep, you may have heard of Phenergan. It’s an antihistamine that doctors sometimes prescribe to improve sleep. But, how quickly does it work? And is it safe to take every night?
Importance of sleep
Getting 7-9 hours of good quality sleep is crucial for our health & longevity, as shown in some studies. You know when you’ve had a bad sleep because you just feel ‘off’, well over long periods of time this can be damaging to our health.
Unfortunately many people struggle to fall asleep or stay asleep, which is why some people are prescribed Phenergan by doctors in the UK as a solution, without trying alternatives.
How Long Does Phenergan 25mg Take to Work?
According to the NHS, Phenergan should start working around 20 minutes after taking it and can last for up to 12 hours. If you’re taking it for a cough, cold, allergies, or nausea, you should start feeling better within 20 minutes.
If you’re taking it specifically for sleep, it should work for around 4 to 6 hours.
Some antihistamines can make people feel tired or sedated as a side effect of their original design, which is why they are sometimes prescribed for sleep.
Is it safe to take Phenergan every night?
Even though it is prescribed by doctors;
the short answer is no.
Phenergan should only be used for a short period, for a maximum of 10 days (ideally 3 days or less). Taking it for longer can cause long-term side effects on the brain. So, what can you do instead?
One option is to focus on improving your sleep hygiene. This includes things like fixing your sleep schedule, avoiding screens 2-3 hours before bedtime due to the blue light they emit, which can disrupt sleep. Instead, try reading a book before bed to wind down.
Sleep Hygiene
Sleep hygiene is like flossing your teeth daily, but for sleep quality. Below you will find out how to fix your sleep schedule.
Same bedtime:
Aim to go to bed at the same time every night and also aim to wake up at the same time every day. This is to get your body into a routine, it can train your body to get tired at the same time every night. This is important to maintaining good quality sleep.
Create a relaxing bedtime/self-care routine:
Take a warm bath, read a book, or listen to calming music on YouTube or your favorite playlist to put your mind and body in a more relaxed state.
Make a comfortable sleep environment:
Ensure your bedroom is cool, quiet, and dark. Invest in a comfortable mattress and high-quality bedding.
Avoid Caffeine:
Avoid caffeine and alcohol: Both interfere with sleep quality, so it’s best to avoid them or limit consumption, especially in the evening.
Limit screen time:
Blue light from screens can suppress melatonin production, making it harder to fall asleep. Don’t use devices with screens for at least 2-3 hours before bed for the best chance of quality sleep.
Meditation for sleep
Meditation for sleep: Meditation is an effective tool for improving overall sleep markers. It can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer by relaxing the brain.
Aromatherapy candles can enhance the relaxing effects of meditation due to the dimmed light and calming nature of the essential oils.
Alternatives to Phenergan 25mg
Magnesium supplementation:
Magnesium glycinate is easily absorbed by the body and can help produce melatonin, the sleep hormone. Taking magnesium glycinate supplements before bed can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
Sleeping patches:
Some sleep patches contain lavender essential oil, a natural relaxant that can improve sleep quality.
Magnesium flakes:
Adding magnesium flakes to a warm bath before bed can help you relax and prepare for sleep.
Cold showers:
Yes, the thought of these sound horrendous, but having a cold shower before bed can reduce body temperature, inducing the production of melatonin and helping you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
Summary
In conclusion, while Phenergan may be a short-term solution for sleep issues, many other options could work better for you. Getting enough sleep is crucial for your overall health, it’s worth trying different techniques & supplements to help you get the rest you need.
