Steroid injections treat inflammation and pain in various conditions, from arthritis to autoimmune disorders. While effective, these shots can cause temporary sleeplessness. Understanding why this occurs and its duration helps manage expectations.
How Steroids Affect Sleep
Corticosteroids, the type of steroids used in these injections, are synthetic versions of cortisol, a natural hormone produced by the body’s adrenal glands. Cortisol plays a role in the body’s stress response and helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle. Normally, cortisol levels are higher in the morning to promote wakefulness and gradually decrease throughout the day, reaching their lowest point at night to facilitate sleep.
When corticosteroids are introduced into the body, they can disrupt this natural rhythm. These medications can elevate cortisol levels, even at times when they should be low, leading to increased brain activity, restlessness, and difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep. Corticosteroids may also reduce natural melatonin levels, a hormone signaling sleep, contributing to insomnia.
Typical Duration of Sleeplessness
The duration of sleeplessness after a steroid shot can vary from person to person. In some cases, sleeplessness might last between one to three days, feeling like a “hyper” sensation, similar to having too much caffeine. For those receiving steroids for a short period, sleep issues may persist for a few days to a few weeks after the medication is stopped.
Several factors can influence how long this sleeplessness lasts. The type of steroid used and its dosage play a role; higher doses or longer periods of use are associated with a greater risk of insomnia. The specific steroid can also matter, as some are designed to be short-acting while others are less soluble and remain in the system longer. Individual metabolism and sensitivity also contribute to how a person responds to the medication.
Coping with Sleeplessness and When to Seek Medical Advice
To manage sleeplessness after a steroid shot, consider these practical steps:
- Schedule the shot in the morning to reduce sleep issues that night.
- Create a comfortable sleep environment, such as a cool, dark room.
- Maintain a consistent sleep schedule, even on weekends, and avoid naps.
- Limit caffeine, alcohol, and heavy meals, especially close to bedtime.
While temporary sleeplessness is a known side effect, it’s important to know when to seek medical advice. If sleeplessness is severe, significantly impacts daily functioning, or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, contact your healthcare provider. Symptoms such as fever, worsening pain, increased swelling, or signs of infection at the injection site warrant immediate medical attention. If you have diabetes, it is important to monitor blood sugar levels more frequently after a steroid shot, as they can temporarily increase.