Does Prednisone Cause Insomnia? What You Should Know

By Xtra Care Clinic LLC

Prednisone and prednisolone are common medications used to treat a variety of inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. They are incredibly effective at managing symptoms, but they can come with unwanted side effects—insomnia being one of the most frequently reported.

If you're tossing and turning after starting steroid therapy, you're not imagining it. At Xtra Care Clinic LLC, many of our patients ask questions like:

"Does prednisone keep you awake?"
"Can I take melatonin with prednisone?"
"Will Xanax help me sleep while taking prednisone?"

In this blog, we'll answer all of those questions and more—plus offer practical tips to help you sleep better while on steroid medications.

Why Prednisone May Be Keeping You Awake

One of the most common side effects of prednisone is sleep disturbance. This is due to how prednisone mimics cortisol—a hormone your body naturally produces to help regulate energy and metabolism. Cortisol levels are typically highest in the morning and taper off by nighttime. When you take prednisone, especially later in the day, it can trick your body into staying alert and active when it should be winding down.

If you've ever found yourself wired at midnight, thinking, "Does prednisone cause sleeplessness?"—the answer is likely yes.

In fact, many people experience prednisolone sleep problems, reporting:

Restlessness at night
Difficulty falling or staying asleep
Feeling mentally alert even when physically tired

Does Prednisone Always Cause Insomnia?

Not everyone will experience insomnia on prednisolone or prednisone, but it's very common—especially at higher doses or during long-term treatment. Some individuals may even ask the opposite: "Does prednisone make you sleepy?" While it's possible to feel tired due to the underlying illness or other medications, prednisone itself is more likely to cause wakefulness than drowsiness.

Is It Safe to Take Prednisone at Night?

One of the most important ways to reduce sleep-related side effects is timing your dose correctly. Most healthcare providers recommend taking prednisone in the morning—before 9 a.m.—to mimic your body's natural hormone cycle. This reduces the chance of experiencing insomnia or restlessness later in the day.

If you're wondering, “Is it okay to take prednisone at night?”—it's usually not ideal unless your doctor has specifically prescribed it that way for medical reasons.

Can You Take Melatonin with Prednisone?

If you're struggling to sleep, you may wonder, “Can you take melatonin with prednisone?” In many cases, yes—melatonin is a natural sleep hormone and is often used to help offset the stimulating effects of steroids.

Melatonin can:

Help you fall asleep faster
Improve overall sleep quality
Support your body's natural circadian rhythm

However, it's always best to speak with your doctor before combining supplements with prescription medications.

Will Xanax Help Me Sleep While Taking Prednisone?

In cases of severe steroid-induced insomnia, doctors may consider short-term use of medications like Xanax (alprazolam). If you've been thinking, “Will Xanax help me sleep while taking prednisone?”, the answer could be yes—but only under medical supervision.

Combining prednisone and Xanax should be done cautiously due to potential side effects, dependency risks, and interactions. It's not a long-term solution, but it may provide temporary relief in certain situations.

What If Prednisone Is Affecting My Mental Health?

Besides insomnia, some patients also experience mood changes, anxiety, or even feelings of restlessness while taking prednisone. This can be especially distressing if you're already sleep-deprived.

Mood-related symptoms may include:

Feeling jittery or “on edge”
Irritability or mood swings
Racing thoughts that make it harder to fall asleep

In these cases, it's not just that steroids are keeping you awake—they may also be increasing your anxiety, creating a cycle of poor sleep and elevated stress. A consultation with your healthcare provider can help address both the physical and emotional side effects of prednisone.

Natural Ways to Improve Sleep on Prednisone

Here are a few simple, non-medication strategies that may help:

Adjust Your Dose Timing

Take prednisone early in the morning to reduce nighttime stimulation.

Create a Relaxing Bedtime Routine

Wind down with calming activities like reading, deep breathing, or light stretching.

Avoid Evening Stimulants

Stay away from caffeine, nicotine, and heavy meals after 4 p.m.

Use Sleep-Friendly Supplements (with approval)

Consider melatonin or magnesium—ask your doctor first.

Try Mindfulness or Meditation Apps

Apps like Calm or Headspace can help reduce mental chatter at bedtime.

When to Speak with a Medical Professional

If your sleep doesn't improve within a few days—or you're experiencing severe insomnia—it's time to reach out for help. Ongoing sleep issues from prednisone or prednisolone can lead to fatigue, low mood, and reduced quality of life.

At Xtra Care Clinic LLC, we take a holistic approach to care. That means helping you manage both the primary condition and the side effects of treatment—like sleep disruptions.

Final Thoughts: Does Prednisone Cause Insomnia?

Yes, prednisone can cause insomnia, especially if taken later in the day or in higher doses. But the good news is that with the right timing, lifestyle changes, and—when necessary—supportive medications like melatonin or Xanax, most people can get their sleep back on track.

To summarize:

Does prednisone keep you awake? – Often, yes.
Can you take melatonin with prednisone? – Usually, with doctor approval.
Does prednisone make you sleepy? – Rarely.
Will steroids keep you awake? – Yes, especially if not taken in the morning.
Will Xanax help me sleep while taking prednisone? – Possibly, but only under supervision.
Prednisolone can't sleep? – You're not alone. Help is available.

Let Us Help You Sleep Again

If you're currently struggling with sleep due to steroid treatment, Xtra Care Clinic LLC is here to help. We'll work closely with you to adjust your treatment plan, improve your rest, and support your overall health.