Does Gabapentin Help You Sleep?
Gabapentin can help improve sleep quality, though it's not FDA-approved as a sleep medication. Studies show gabapentin increases slow-wave sleep by 30-40% and reduces nighttime awakenings in people with chronic pain or restless leg syndrome. The medication works by calming overactive nerve signals that can interfere with sleep onset and maintenance. Typical doses for sleep range from 300-900mg taken 1-2 hours before bedtime. However, gabapentin can cause next-day drowsiness, dizziness, and dependency with long-term use. It should only be used for sleep under medical supervision, as abrupt discontinuation can cause withdrawal symptoms.
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