Is It Safe To Take Benadryl Every Night?

Although Benadryl is available without a prescription, using it nightly for sleep is not considered safe or advisable by most medical guidelines. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine does not recommend antihistamines such as diphenhydramine for the long-term management of insomnia due to their lack of efficacy and potential for harm (Sateia et al., 2017).

Regular nightly use can lead to:

Tolerance: Over time, the sedating effect diminishes, prompting users to increase the dose for the same effect.

Cognitive side effects: Diphenhydramine has anticholinergic properties that, when used chronically, may impair memory and increase the risk of cognitive decline, especially in older adults (Gray et al., 2015).

Daytime drowsiness and impaired alertness

Potential for dependence: Chronic use can result in psychological or physical dependence, especially when used for sleep.

Withdrawal Symptoms

When diphenhydramine use is stopped after chronic, regular use—especially at higher-than-recommended doses—individuals may experience withdrawal symptoms, such as:

• Rebound insomnia

• Irritability

• Anxiety or agitation

• Restlessness

• Nausea

• Sweating

• Cognitive disturbances (e.g., confusion or poor concentration)

• In rare but severe cases, abrupt cessation after long-term use may lead to symptoms resembling anticholinergic toxicity, including hallucinations and delirium (NIH).

Evidence of Dependence

Though not classified as a controlled substance, diphenhydramine has documented cases of misuse, dependence, and withdrawal. Case reports and pharmacovigilance data confirm that some individuals develop habitual use patterns, particularly when the drug is taken to self-medicate for insomnia or anxiety.

Safer Alternatives for Chronic Insomnia

• Long-term sleep difficulties are best managed with non-pharmacologic approaches such as:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I)

• Sleep hygiene education

• Mindfulness and relaxation techniques

• Targeted treatment of underlying conditions (e.g., anxiety, depression)

• Pharmacologic treatments, when necessary, should be guided by a licensed clinician using evidence-based sleep aids with known long-term safety profiles.

While Benadryl is safe for occasional use, taking it every night for sleep is not considered safe or effective for long-term management. Chronic use increases the risk of tolerance, cognitive impairment, and withdrawal symptoms. Safer and more effective alternatives should be considered for persistent sleep difficulties.