If you have trouble sleeping, you're not alone. According to the National Sleep Foundation, 50 to 70 million adults in the United States have a sleep disorder. There are many over-the-counter and prescription sleep aids available to help you get a good night's sleep. But if you take warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven), you need to be careful about which sleep aid you choose. warfarin is a blood thinner. It works by preventing your blood from clotting. Warfarin is used to treat or prevent clots in the veins, arteries, lungs, or heart. Sleep aids that contain diphenhydramine (Benadryl, Aleve PM, others) can increase the effects of warfarin and lead to unwanted bleeding. So it's important to talk to your doctor before taking any sleep aid if you're taking warfarin. Your doctor may be able to suggest a different sleep aid that's safe for you to take. Or they may suggest other ways to help you get a good night's sleep.
If you have sleep trouble and are taking the prescription blood thinner warfarin, you may be wondering what sleep aid you can take. Unfortunately, many popular sleep aids are not safe to take with warfarin. However, there are a few options available.
The best type of sleep aid to take with warfarin is one that does not interact with the medication. For example, melatonin is a safe option. Melatonin is a hormone that helps regulate the body's sleep-wake cycle. It is available over-the-counter in many forms, including pills, gummies, and liquids.
Another safe option for a sleep aid is diphenhydramine. Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine that is also used as a sleep aid. It is found in many over-the-counter products, including Benadryl. However, diphenhydramine can cause dry mouth, so it may not be the best option for everyone.
There are also some natural remedies that may help you get a good night's sleep. For example, chamomile tea has been shown to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality. Herbal supplements such as valerian root and lemon balm may also be helpful. Be sure to talk to your doctor before taking any supplements.
If you are having trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor about safe options for sleep aids. In most cases, there are ways to manage your sleep troubles while still taking warfarin.
