SSRIs and REM Sleep

[Josh.F]

Hi all,

Hope everyone is staying safe and healthy during this time!

I'm interested to know people's sleep experiences when they started taking SSRIs. 

I've been taking Lexapro (Escitolopram) for just over a week now and I have noticed a significant drop in my REM sleep on most nights. Have other people experienced this? If so, did this subside once the drug stablised within your body? The doctor said symptoms tend to be more severe in the first two weeks.

I understand SSRIs do act as a REM sleep suppressant, but interested to hear others experiences.

Thankfully my sleep scores are still averaging 83 or so, but still would like more REM haha!

Thanks all

Josh

[WavyDavey]

Hi @Josh.F

It looks like you didn't get an answer to your question. I can offer you this from research (that seems to indicate the effect on REM sleep doesn't go away)

"Antidepressants may aid depressed individuals in treating their insomnia, however they tend to affect sleep architecture as well. Specifically, SSRIs, are known to inhibit REM sleep. This class of antidepressant works by blocking the reuptake of serotonin in the synapse, thus increasing the amount of serotonin available to bind to the postsynaptic cell. Those wi"
th depression have lower than normal levels of serotonin, which is ameliorated by SSRIs. Specifically in regards to sleep architecture, serotonergic activity is almost silent during REM sleep (Drago, 2008). Thus, SSRIs increasing of serotonin in the synaptic cleft would suppress REM sleep by increasing the amount of Non-REM via serotonin activity."

[Bobcat931]

@Josh.F

I tried Lexapro briefly and then quit due to the sexual side effects. In researching the drug, I found that difficulty sleeping was also a possible side effect.  Have you tried an alternative SSRI?  An alternative to meds?  We are all different and may respond in different ways to the same med, vitamin or supplement.  

Another thing, I have quit wearing my FitBit at night.  Thinking it might have been causing anxiety on some level. How am I going to sleep tonight??  What's my sleep score going to be???  My scores indicated I was flunking sleep. (That's a joke, but they weren't good.)  

A multitude of factors involved in sleep quality.  A lot of good suggestions on the forum.  Final thought, I have read that it is the man who thinks "I have got to get a good night's sleep tonight" who is going to lie awake all night. Forgetabout the stats, find out what helps you and sleep well.

Peace.