Prednisone is a steroid drug. Steroid drugs are known to disturb sleep and affect wakefulness during the day. But prednisone won’t make you sleepy.

Doctors may prescribe prednisone as an anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive treatment for various conditions. An anti-inflammatory reduces or prevents inflammation in the body, while an immunosuppressive reduces the body’s immune system response. Prednisone is approved for use in adults and certain children.

Read on to learn why taking prednisone may affect some people’s sleep. You can also learn what you might do to help.

One of the main side effects of prednisone is insomnia, which is when you’re unable to get refreshing sleep. So while the drug itself may not interrupt sleep or make you feel drowsy outright, insomnia can reduce your energy level. This means it can interfere with how awake you feel because your body may not be getting sufficient rest. So you may feel tired or fatigued during the day.

Prednisone is a steroid drug, also known as corticosteroids. Specifically, prednisone is a glucocorticoid (a type of corticosteroid). Glucocorticoids can disturb sleep, especially when doses are divided throughout the day. This action may interfere with the body’s normal cycle of producing some hormones that affect sleep.

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Your doctor may help prevent some side effects of glucocorticoids, including insomnia, by:

  • using the lowest dose for the shortest period of time that allows you to reach treatment goals
  • monitoring treatment of your side effects
  • managing your other conditions

If you’re experiencing sleep issues while taking prednisone, consider trying the following tips to promote good sleep hygiene. These actions can help train your body for sleep. Some may also help you manage stress, which can have a positive impact on your rest.

  • Allow sufficient time for a full night’s sleep.
  • Try to sleep on a schedule and avoid naps.
  • Sleep in a quiet, cool place, if possible.
  • Sleep in darkness, avoiding electronic devices that emit light.
  • Try to get regular physical activity in the daytime, and avoid it near bedtime.
  • Consider eating meals on a regular schedule.
  • Consider limiting fluid intake and meals near bedtime.
  • Consider avoiding alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine near bedtime.

If you’re having trouble sleeping, ask your doctor for suggestions. They can also discuss medications or over-the-counter products to help you sleep.

A main side effect of prednisone is insomnia. With insomnia, you’re unable to get refreshing sleep. Prednisone itself does not interrupt sleep or make you feel drowsy. But insomnia can reduce your energy level, leaving you feeling tired or fatigued.

If you have insomnia during prednisone treatment, talk with your doctor. They may be able to help you prevent it. You can also try some tips to help promote good sleep hygiene and train your body for sleep. See the suggestions above in the “What you can do” section.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.