Does metformin make you sleepy
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Does Metformin Make You Sleepy?
Metformin and Sleep Architecture in Diabetic Patients
Metformin, a widely used medication for Type II Diabetes Mellitus (DM), has been shown to influence sleep patterns in diabetic patients. A study examining 29 diabetic patients on Metformin revealed significant alterations in sleep architecture. These patients exhibited reduced restorative phases of deep sleep (N3) and REM sleep, which are crucial for feeling rested and alert during the day. The study found that all stages of sleep were reduced, with a more significant decrease in deep and REM sleep compared to normal levels . This disruption in sleep architecture could potentially contribute to feelings of fatigue and excessive daytime sleepiness in diabetic patients on Metformin.
Metformin and Sleep Disorders in Adolescent Girls with PCOS
In adolescent girls with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), Metformin has been observed to have a beneficial effect on sleep disorders. A study involving 90 adolescent girls divided into three groups (control, untreated PCOS, and PCOS treated with Metformin) found that Metformin administration significantly reduced sleep disturbances and excessive daytime sleepiness. The treated group showed improvements in body weight, body mass index, and insulin sensitivity, which are factors that can influence sleep quality . This suggests that Metformin may help alleviate sleep-related issues in this population, potentially reducing feelings of sleepiness during the day.
Metformin's Impact on Sleep and Activity Levels in Metabolic Syndrome
A year-long study on individuals with metabolic syndrome (MS) assessed the effects of Metformin on sleep and daily activity levels. Participants were randomized into Metformin and placebo groups, with sleep and activity monitored over a 7-day period. The Metformin group showed significant improvements in sleep parameters, including increased actual sleep time and sleep efficiency, compared to the placebo group. These findings indicate that Metformin may enhance sleep quality in people with MS, which could help reduce daytime sleepiness .
Conclusion
While Metformin is primarily used to manage blood glucose levels in diabetic patients, its impact on sleep is multifaceted. In diabetic patients, Metformin may disrupt sleep architecture, leading to reduced deep and REM sleep, which can contribute to daytime sleepiness . Conversely, in adolescent girls with PCOS and individuals with metabolic syndrome, Metformin has been shown to improve sleep quality and reduce sleep disturbances, potentially alleviating excessive daytime sleepiness 23. Therefore, the effect of Metformin on sleepiness may vary depending on the underlying health condition and individual patient characteristics. Further research is needed to fully understand these effects and optimize treatment strategies.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic