If you are taking Mounjaro (tirzepatide) as part of your weight loss journey and noticed changes to your sleep like trouble falling asleep or waking during the night, you’re not alone. While insomnia isn’t listed as a known side effect of Mounjaro, some people do report sleep disturbances. In this blog, we’ll explore why this might happen, how to tell if your medication is playing a role, and what you can do to support better, more restful sleep.
The direct link between Mounjaro and insomnia remains unclear; insomnia is not listed as a known side effect in the product information or clinical trials. However, some people have reported sleep disturbances while on the medication.
In many cases, these sleep issues may be linked to other side effects of Mounjaro such as nausea, fatigue, constipation or abdominal discomfort, which can interfere with your ability to get good sleep.
So, let’s take a closer look at how Mounjaro may affect your sleep, what other factors might be contributing and what you can do to have a better quality rest during treatment.
Why does insomnia happen?
Whether it is difficulty falling asleep, waking frequently during the night, or feeling unrefreshed after sleep, insomnia is incredibly common. In fact, the NHS estimates that around 1 in 3 people in the UK will experience insomnia at some point in their lives.
There is rarely a single cause. Often, it is a combination of lifestyle habits, emotional wellbeing and physical health that pays a role. Some common causes include:
- Stress or anxiety
- Underlying mental health conditions, such as depression
- Irregular routines, such as shift work or screen time before bed
- Caffeine, alcohol or certain foods
- Chronic health conditions or medications
Can Mounjaro help with insomnia and sleep quality?
Mounjaro is designed to support people living with obesity or who are overweight (with weight-related health conditions), by helping regulate appetite and blood glucose levels. While it is not intended to improve sleep directly, the effects of weight loss may have a positive impact on certain sleep problems.
Obstructive sleep apnoea and weight loss
Obstructive sleep apnoea is a common sleep disorder where breathing temporarily stops during the night, often due to excess weight around the neck or airway. This can cause loud snoring, frequent waking, poor sleep quality and daytime fatigue.
Losing weight can reduce the severity of sleep apnoea symptoms, which may improve both sleep and daytime alertness. However, there is no clear evidence yet to suggest that Mounjaro directly improves sleep apnoea; more research is needed in this area.
Mental health and sleep
Obesity is a complex health condition that affects both physical and mental wellbeing. It can contribute to depression and anxiety, while the stigma and health issues that often come with it can place additional strain on emotional health. For some people, losing weight can help relieve symptoms of depression, boost self-esteem and indirectly support more restful sleep.
Does Mounjaro cause insomnia?
Insomnia doesn’t appear on the list of known side effects for Mounjaro, and there is currently no strong clinical data confirming a direct link. That said, some users have shared that they have experienced changes in their sleep patterns while on the medication.
Rather than being caused by Mounjaro itself, these changes may be a result of other side effects, these include:
- Fatigue
- Nausea or vomiting
- Constipation or abdominal discomfort
If you have noticed changes to your sleep since starting Mounjaro, especially if it is affecting how you feel during the day, it is always worth mentioning it to us, your GP or prescribing pharmacist so we can help assess the cause and suggest next steps.
How does Mounjaro impact your sleep?
If you are experiencing sleep problems while taking Mounjaro, there may be several contributing factors beyond the medication itself. Here are some common possibilities.
- Underlying depression - depression is a known contributor to both insomnia and disrupted sleep, and it is also associated with people living with obesity. If your mood has been low or you have noticed a change in appetite or motivation, these may be signs that low mood is affecting your sleep.
- Caffeine and alcohol intake - your diet and drinking habits can play a big role. Caffeine, particularly in the afternoon or evening, can make it harder to fall asleep. Alcohol may make you feel drowsy at first, but it often leads to poor-quality, broken sleep. High sugar or saturated fat intake has also been linked to lighter, more restless sleep.
- Poor sleep hygiene - sleep hygiene refers to the habits and environment that support good sleep. Things like late-night screen time, irregular sleep schedules, or sleeping in a room that’s too bright or warm can all interfere with melatonin production - the hormone that helps you wind down at night.
- Existing stress, anxiety or other undiagnosed mental health condition - sometimes, difficulty sleeping is a sign that something else is going on emotionally or mentally. Stress about work, relationships, or health can show up at night, quite often just when you want your mind to slow down. If this sounds familiar, consider speaking to your GP or a mental health professional for support.
- It’s crucial to discuss persistent sleep issues with a healthcare provider - if you’ve been struggling with sleep for more than a few weeks, or if poor sleep is affecting your energy, focus, or mood during the day, don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional. Whether the cause is related to Mounjaro or something else, help is available and you don’t need to manage it alone.
How to manage Mounjaro insomnia
If you are experiencing disrupted sleep while on Mounjaro, there are practical things you can do to support better rest. Many of these following tips are helpful whether or not medication is a factor.
- Set yourself up for a great sleep - try to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, even on weekends. Wind down with calming activities in the evening, such as reading, a warm bath, or soft music. Keep your bedroom quiet, cool, and dimly lit.
- Adopt a balanced diet - eating a nutritious, balanced diet with plenty of fibre, whole grains, and healthy fats can support your body’s natural sleep rhythms. Avoid heavy or spicy meals late at night and stay well hydrated throughout the day.
- Exercise (at the right time) - regular physical activity can help improve sleep, reduce stress, and boost mood. Just try not to exercise too close to bedtime; aim for earlier in the day to allow your body time to wind down.
- Limit sleep-disrupting substances - cutting back on caffeine (especially after mid-afternoon), avoiding late-night alcohol, and quitting smoking (if applicable) can all improve the depth and quality of your sleep.
- Try relaxation techniques - simple relaxation strategies like deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or guided meditation before bed can help calm your mind and prepare your body for sleep.
- Look at underlying causes - if sleep problems persist, it is worth considering other contributing factors. Speak to your GP or prescriber if you are unsure, they can guide you to the right support or treatment options.
References:
- https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3425/13/11/1503
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK603747/
- https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/15481/smpc#gref https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/insomnia/
- https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/mental-wellbeing-tips/how-to-fall-asleep-faster-and-sleep-better/
- https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/insomnia/management/managing-insomnia/
