Understanding Weight Loss Injections and Their Rise in Popularity
In England, 115 people out of every 100,000 are prescribed a GLP-1 receptor agonist for type 2 diabetes treatment or to support weight loss. Mounjaro and Wegovy, the most common GLP-1 medications, were approved by the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) as weight loss medications in the last few years, but are still only available on the NHS under certain criteria.
As Mounjaro will be prescribed for weight loss on the NHS over the next 12 years, these medications are set to become even more popular. But how do they work?
Both Mounjaro and Wegovy started out as medications to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus, but thanks to their weight loss-supporting properties, they've since been licensed for weight loss. They have a similar structure to the hormone glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), which means taking these medications tricks your body into thinking GLP-1 levels are high.
This helps to:
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Slow down how fast the stomach empties
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Reduce hunger cues
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Increase insulin secretion and improve blood sugar regulation
Together, these properties help people to feel less hungry, meaning they're able to eat fewer calories and lose weight. To be effective, they need to be used long-term.
Although GLP-1 receptor agonists can be an effective chronic weight management tool, they can come with side effects. Although sleep disturbances are not listed in the medication leaflet for either Mounjaro or Wegovy, some people do experience trouble sleeping. Interestingly, these medications can actually improve sleep in individuals with sleep apnoea, but why is this?
How Do Weight Loss Injections Affect Sleep?
Some research suggests that the hormone GLP-1 is involved in the body's sleep-wake cycle. By activating the GLP-1 receptor, weight loss medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro make the body believe GLP-1 levels are high. This may impact the body's sleep-wake cycle (otherwise known as circadian rhythm), which can affect sleep.
Medication side effects like stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea can also get in the way of a good night's sleep.
GLP-1 receptor agonists may impact sleep due to the way they affect hormone and blood sugar levels. It's possible that nighttime blood glucose levels can impact the quantity and quality of your sleep, although more research in this area is needed. As GLP-1 medications improve blood sugar regulation, they might help improve your sleep.
Around 25% of people who are overweight have obstructive sleep apnoea. Obstructive sleep apnoea is a condition where the airway can close during sleep, leading to breathing problems and broken sleep.
Several studies have investigated whether weight loss medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro can improve sleep apnoea, although evidence is mixed. Some clinical trials have demonstrated that GLP-1 medications can improve sleep quality and other symptoms in people with sleep apnoea. These medications may help improve symptoms by supporting people in losing weight.
Can Losing Weight Improve Sleep?
Studies have linked being overweight to poor sleep in adolescents and adults. As well as increasing the risk of developing sleep apnoea, being overweight can lead to metabolic changes that disrupt the sleep-wake cycle. Excess weight can also put more pressure on the body physically, which may affect your sleep.
Losing weight can be an effective way to improve your sleep quality. Not only does losing weight reduce your risk of sleep apnoea and improve related sleep symptoms, but it can also improve sleep in people without sleep apnoea. By helping you to lose weight, weight loss medication may indirectly also help to improve your sleep.
More research is needed for us to be able to understand the specifics of how these weight loss medications affect sleep, especially as not everyone will experience any changes in their sleep pattern.
Common Sleep Issues Reported with Wegovy & Mounjaro
Some people have reported insomnia and other sleep disturbances after taking these weight loss medications. Although the exact reason for this isn't understood, there are a few ways these medications could lead to disrupted sleep.
As we discussed, the hormone GLP-1 is linked to the body's circadian rhythm. It's possible that GLP-1 receptor agonists like Wegovy and Mounjaro may interfere with the sleep-wake cycle in some people, which may lead to insomnia or increased daytime sleepiness. However, research into this area is lacking, and we can't say for sure yet.
Another possible cause of insomnia is medication side effects. Symptoms like nausea, bloating, and reflux are common when taking weight loss medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro. These side effects can cause discomfort at night, which can make it harder to sleep.
Are Sleep Disruptions from Weight Loss Injections Temporary?
If your sleep is disrupted due to side effects, it's likely to improve as you get used to the medication. GLP-1 medication side effects are usually worse when you first start and when you increase your dose, but tend to settle down as your body becomes accustomed to the medication. If you stop the medication, side effects should also improve.
As information on how GLP-1 medication disrupts sleep is limited, it's unclear how long your sleep will continue to be disturbed. If you're struggling with side effects of your medication, including insomnia or other sleep issues, it's best to discuss this with a healthcare professional.
Practical Tips for Better Sleep While Using Weight Loss Injections
Medication and Meal Timing Strategies
Side effects tend to be more common right after you take your medication, so you may want to take your dose in the morning if you find side effects keep you up at night after taking it.
You may also notice that side effects disrupting your sleep are related to when you eat. Going a long time between meals may worsen your side effects, but eating too close to bed may trigger reflux symptoms when you're trying to drop off. Try to adjust your eating schedule if you think this may be contributing to your sleep issues.
Creating an Optimal Sleep Environment
Good sleep hygiene is important for quality sleep. This means finding a sleep routine that works for you and sticking to it.
Going to sleep and waking up at the same time every day can help your body reset its natural circadian rhythm. Try to avoid using screens which emit blue light before bed ,as this may disrupt your sleep. Keep your bedroom dark, at a comfortable temperature, and quiet - use earplugs and a night mask if you need to. Having a warm bath before going to bed may also help some individuals.
Physical Activity and Sleep
Exercising can improve sleep quality, so it's important to fit it into your daily routine. By helping to reduce stress and supporting your sleep-wake cycle, exercise can make it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.
Any type of exercise is good, so you can do whatever you enjoy. However, anything too strenuous should be avoided in the 90 minutes before bed as it can interfere with your sleep. If you want to exercise before sleep, yoga is a gentle option that naturally helps to reduce stress.
Stress Management Techniques for Better Rest
Stress can interrupt your circadian rhythm and cause sleep problems. To avoid disrupted sleep, it's essential to find ways to manage your stress.
We've already mentioned how effective exercise can be, but many people also find relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, and mindfulness to be helpful. Talking about the causes of your stress with friends and family can also help you to deal with stress in a healthy way.
When to Consult Your Healthcare Provider
If you find that lack of sleep is affecting your day-to-day life or you're worried about it, it's a good idea to speak to your GP or healthcare professional. They'll be able to rule out any health problems and offer advice on how to manage your sleep issues.
Conclusion: Balancing Weight Loss Goals and Quality Sleep
Although insomnia and sleep issues aren't listed as side effects of Wegovy and Mounjaro, some people taking these weight loss medications do experience sleep disturbances. It's possible for these weight loss drugs to disrupt your sleep, but weight loss can actually improve sleep quality - especially in people who suffer from obstructive sleep apnoea.
If you're worried that weight loss drugs are interfering with your sleep and you're struggling with daily life, it's a good idea to seek help from a professional.
FAQs
Can I take sleep aids while using weight loss injections?
Simple changes like exercising more, avoiding eating big meals too close to bedtime, and practising good sleep hygiene are worth trying first, but if things don't improve, your GP may suggest trying medication if you're struggling with insomnia.
Will adjusting my injection timing improve my sleep?
If you take your weight loss injection in the evening and are experiencing insomnia afterwards, it may be worth changing when you give yourself the medication. Your healthcare provider can advise you on how to change your dosing time or schedule if required.
Do all weight loss injections cause sleep problems?
Clinical trials of weight loss injections have not found a significant link between insomnia and these medications, and sleep issues are not listed in the side effects for Mounjaro or Wegovy. Most people don't experience sleep issues when taking weight loss drugs, but you may be able to switch to a different type of medication if you think yours is disrupting your sleep. Speak to your healthcare provider for more information.
Is poor sleep affecting my weight loss results?
Sleep and weight are closely linked, and it's possible for poor sleep to disrupt your weight loss journey. Some studies have found that lack of sleep can actually lead to weight gain and make people more likely to opt for unhealthy foods. However, lack of sleep doesn't mean you'll automatically gain weight if you keep eating a healthy, reduced-calorie diet and exercising.
If you're experiencing sleep problems, try to work out regularly and get into a good sleep routine before bed. Your GP or healthcare professional may be able to help if you're still struggling.