Rebound insomnia typically happens after discontinuing certain sleep medications, such as benzodiazepines or hypnotics. It usually lasts a few days, but can last a few weeks or more, depending on individual experience.

Rebound insomnia is a type of sleep disturbance that occurs after stopping sleep medications such as hypnotics or benzodiazepines. Discontinuing these medications could result in increased wakefulness above someone’s typical pattern in the following couple of days.

This would typically occur after a short course of sleep medications. There are differences in how people might experience rebound insomnia.

This article will look at what causes rebound insomnia and how to find relief from it.

Discontinuing sleep medication is what typically causes rebound insomnia. Research found that some types of medications could cause rebound insomnia upon discontinuation. These include:

  • zopiclone (Imovane)
  • triazolam (Halcion)
  • flunitrazepam

Rebound rates were lower for flunitrazepam and zopiclone than for triazolam. Other examples of medications that your doctor might prescribe to help with insomnia include any of the following benzodiazepines:

Your doctor might also prescribe hypnotic drugs for insomnia, such as:

  • zolpidem (Ambien)
  • eszopiclone (Lunesta)
  • zaleplon (Sonata)

It’s worth noting that these medications can have different effects on people.

In a 2024 study that compared how people responded after discontinuing certain sleep medications, the group who discontinued eszopiclone experienced rebound insomnia for longer than the group who discontinued zolpidem.

Everyone has different experiences, and not all people will experience rebound insomnia from discontinuing sleep medications.

It’s important to talk with a doctor if you want to stop taking any of your medications, so that they can advise you on how to do so safely. That usually involves tapering the dose gradually and not quitting suddenly, allowing your body to slowly adjust to the transition.

It may be more difficult for some people to slowly discontinue sleep medications such as benzodiazepines. It may be more difficult to stop taking them if a person:

  • has any preexisting psychiatric or physical illnesses
  • has any personality disorders
  • a history of alcohol or drug misuse
  • lack of family or social support
  • is of older age
  • does not have a sympathetic primary care professional

However, healthcare professionals can personalize tapering schedules based on someone’s individual experience and severity of symptoms. They can take into account different needs such as a person’s lack of support, or adverse reactions to certain medications.

To mitigate side effects, they may suggest carrying on taking the same medications but gradually reducing the dosage before completely discontinuing them. They might also advise discontinuing current medications and prescribing a different one for the tapering process.

Rebound insomnia may last a couple of days or a few weeks. Some people may also not experience any symptoms after discontinuing medications. To get better sleep afterward, you may consider improving sleep hygiene.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), these habits could improve sleep quality long term:

  • Try to go to bed and get up at the same time every day. This can help balance your circadian rhythm by making your body produce melatonin, the sleep hormone, at the right time. Try to do that on the weekends as well, and avoid schedules that might disrupt your sleep patterns or routine.
  • Try to keep your bedroom quiet, relaxing, and at a cool temperature.
  • Turn off electronic devices at least 30 minutes before bedtime.
  • Avoid large meals and alcohol before bedtime.
  • Avoid caffeine in the afternoon or evening. Drinking fewer liquids in the evening can help ensure you need to use the toilet less during the night.
  • Practice regular physical activity, but try to avoid exercising 5 to 6 hours before going to sleep, as that might make it more difficult to fall and stay asleep.
  • Maintain a moderate and balanced diet. Try to eat your meals on a regular schedule, and avoid late-night dinners or snacks.

Managing stress

You may also try out ways to manage stress. These can include:

  • reading a book
  • having a relaxing bath
  • listening to soothing music
  • trying meditation or mindfulness
  • getting a massage
  • practicing yoga
  • trying acupuncture

You can also consider trying out cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This can involve multiple steps taken together to help you feel less nervous about falling asleep, whether consciously or unconsciously, or teaching you how to relax in order to fall asleep.

These steps can involve sleep restriction therapy or stimulus control therapy.

Rebound insomnia occurs when you discontinue sleep medications. This can last for a few days or up to a few weeks afterward, but some people may not experience any symptoms.

Symptoms after discontinuing sleep medications may also be dependent on the type of drug you were taking or the tapering method.

Improving sleep hygiene or trying out CBT may be useful in easing symptoms and getting better sleep long term.