When we talk about sleep hygiene, a set of habits and environmental factors that promote consistent, uninterrupted sleep. Also known as sleep practices, it’s not about sleeping more—it’s about sleeping better, naturally and reliably. Most people think sleep hygiene means going to bed early, but it’s really about the small, daily choices that train your body to wind down. That includes when you drink coffee, how you use your phone before bed, whether your room is dark and cool, and even how you handle stress during the day. Poor sleep hygiene doesn’t just leave you tired—it can make anxiety, depression, and chronic pain worse.
Medications play a big role here too. Some drugs, like methylprednisolone, a corticosteroid used for inflammation, directly disrupt sleep by causing insomnia, especially if taken later in the day. Others, like certain antidepressants such as paroxetine, an SSRI that can cause weight gain and daytime drowsiness, change your sleep architecture over time. Even common pain meds, like opioids, can mess with your breathing at night and reduce deep sleep. And while some people turn to sleep aids, many of these create dependency without fixing the root cause—your habits.
It’s not just about avoiding caffeine after noon. Real sleep hygiene means creating a rhythm: same bedtime, same wake time—even on weekends. It means keeping screens out of the bedroom, using your bed only for sleep and sex, and winding down with something calm, not scrolling through news or work emails. If you’re on medication that affects sleep, timing matters. Taking a steroid in the morning instead of the evening can make all the difference. If you’re struggling to fall asleep, it’s rarely just a ‘sleep problem.’ It’s often a sign your daily routine is out of sync with your biology.
Below, you’ll find real-world guides that connect sleep hygiene to the medications you’re taking, the side effects you might not realize are hurting your rest, and the simple changes that actually lead to deeper, more restful sleep. Whether you’re dealing with steroid-induced insomnia, antidepressant fatigue, or just can’t seem to turn your brain off at night, these posts give you the facts—not fluff.
Learn how to fix sleep disrupted by medications using evidence-based sleep hygiene-without adding more drugs. Practical steps for better rest, even when pills are working against you.