Can Sertraline cause snoring? (+5 sleep tips)
By
Ivan Kahwa
Author bio
Mr Ivan Kahwa is a chemist and phytopharmaceutical scientist with expertise in chemistry, pharmacology, phytochemistry, and Nanobiotechnology. He writes and reviews content on these topics.
Mr Ivan Kahwa’s Highlights:
Guest Researcher at the University of Leipzig, Senior Research Fellow/Scientist, and Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Professional Experience:
Mr Ivan joined PHARMBIOTRAC as a research fellow/scientist during his master of science tenure. He contributed to the development of most of the phytopharmaceutical products in the project. Furthermore, he participated in carrying out the pharmacological activities of the developed products in laboratory animals such as mice and rats in order to develop proper doses hence leading to pre-clinical studies.
With the above relevant research experience, Ivan started to work with the University of Leipzig on collaborative projects with Mbarara University to develop the chemistry of Ugandan Medicinal plants and their pharmacological activities. This was coupled with several consultative positions by different German NGOs. Mr. Kahwa is also a supporting in the teaching and learning at the Departments of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
With the increase in antimicrobial resistance globally, Ivan retooled his thinking towards developing new naturally derived antibiotic regimens from Ugandan propolis with the assistance of nanotechnology to improve their delivery to microbial cells. Kahwa has also published over 28 articles in peer-reviewed journals and he is currently reviewing for many journals.
Education:
2023-2027: PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (ongoing) with a focus on Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Nanobiology at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2022: 2Msc. in Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine Science at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2018: Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Publications:
▪ Iqbal, S., Jabeen, F., Kahwa, I., & Omara, T. 2023. Suberosin Alleviates Thiazolidinedione-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Diabetic Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via Modulation of ACSL4-LPCAT3 and PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathways. Cardiovascular Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-023-09804-7
▪ Gupta, A. K., Yadav, R., Sharma, S., Sawale, J., & Kahwa, I. 2023. Anti-ageing Activity and Antioxidant Activity of Methanol Extracts of Leaves and Flowers of Salvia officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis. Journal of Young Pharmacists, 15(3), 448–455. https://doi.org/10.5530/jyp.2023.15.60
▪ Tolo, C.U., Kahwa, I., Nuwagira, U., Weisheit, A. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Medicinal plants used in treatment of various diseases in the Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 25, pp.1-16.
https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/4683
▪ Kahwa, I., Ajayi, C.O., Yadav, R., Chauhan, N.S., Shah, K., Abdelgadir, A.A., Shegena, E.A., Daniel, S., Omara, T., Asiimwe, J.B. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies as an invaluable approach for correct identification of medicinal plants: The case of Artemisia vulgaris L. substituted for Artemisia annua L. in Western Uganda. TMR Integr Med, 7, p.e23004.
https://doi.org/10.53388/TMRIM202307004
▪ Nalimu, F., Oloro, J., Kahwa, I. and Ogwang, P.E., 2021. Review on the phytochemistry and toxicological profiles of Aloe vera and Aloe ferox. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7, pp.1-21.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s43094-021-00296-2
▪ Elamin, O.H.S., Ali, M.A., Elgezuli, I.A.A., Bashir, M.A. and Kahwa, I., 2021. Diagnosis of pre-and post-treatment of echinococcus granulosus with counter current immune electrophoresis and bacterial co-agglutination. Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 11(02), pp.88-94.
https://doi.org/10.5799/jmid.951600
Published book Chapter
▪ Kahwa, I., Ayesiga, I., Nakalema, S., Alinaiswe, R., Mbabazi, R. and Iqbal, S., 2023. Natural products in the management of onchocerciasis. In Natural Products in Vector-Borne Disease Management (pp. 63-80). Academic Press. Book Chapter.
https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91942-5.00012-4
Submitted manuscripts Under Review:
▪ Comparison of the Wound Healing Activity of the Leaf and Leaf Ash Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina in Rats. Journal name: Clinical Phytoscience
▪ Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal plants used in the management of cancer in Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Herbal Medicine
▪ Ethnobotanical survey and phytochemical screening of medicinal plants used in treatment of epilepsy by PROMETRA-Uganda Traditional Health Practitioners in Mpigi District, Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Submitted book chapters under review
1.Book title: Algae as a Natural Solution for Water-Food-Energy Nexus, Section 4: Microalgae and cyanobacteria for food applications, Chapter 4.6: Safety, toxicological and allergenic aspects of using algae for food. Authors: Christine Kyarimpa, Tom Omute, Caroline K. Nakiguli, Alice V. Khanakwa4, Christopher Angiro, Ivan Kahwa, Fortunate Ahumuza, Timothy Omara*. Publisher: Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 152 Beach Road, #21-01/04 Gateway East, Singapore 189721, Singapore.
2.Book title: Nutraceuticals Inspiring the Contemporary Therapy for Lifestyle Diseases. Chapter: Nutraceutical applications of Seaweeds and their Phytocompounds in Nutrition and Treatment of Diseases. Authors: Ivan Kahwa, Timothy Omara , Innocent Ayesiga , Gael Noel Neh Neba Ambe , Zehbanaz Javidbhai Panwala , Rachel Mbabazi , Shabnoor Iqbal , Christine Kyarimpa , Christine Betty Nagawa , Kamal Shah ,Nagendra Singh Chauhan* Publisher: CRC Press
You can view my works on the following professional sites:
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ivan-Kahwa
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tOwrvqoAAAAJ&hl=en
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6440-3437
Linkedin: https://de.linkedin.com/in/ivan-kahwa-865450159
In this article, we will discuss if Sertraline causes snoring. We will also discuss the risk factors associated with Sertraline-induced snoring and some helpful tips for good sleep.
Can Sertraline cause snoring?
Sertraline can cause snoring in some people. Snoring is not a widely recognized side effect of Sertraline but there have been some reports of sleep-related breathing issues, including snoring, in people taking sertraline. However, the chances of this happening are quite low. (1,2)
Is there any connection between Sertraline and snoring?
Antidepressants are widely used for the treatment of depression, anxiety, mood disorders and other mental health conditions. Among them, Sertraline stands out as a common choice.
Antidepressants including Sertraline, can have various effects on sleep patterns and breathing. Some studies suggest that people using SSRIs like Sertraline may experience increased levels of anxiety, agitation, insomnia, restlessness, snoring and sleep apnea. (2)
Another research has indicated that people using Sertraline tend to have more frequent sleep apneas during the non-rapid eye movement (NREM) phase of sleep compared to non-medicated individuals with depression. (1)
While snoring is not explicitly listed as a side effect of Sertraline use, it is indicated in one research that Sertraline is linked to the development and worsening of sleep disorders including sleep apnea. (3)
Sleep apnea is characterized by loud snoring, breathing interruptions during sleep, gasping, choking and irregular breathing patterns during sleep. A person suffering from sleep apnea and taking Sertraline for depression can face loud snoring problems.
What are the potential risk factors for Sertraline-induced snoring?
While snoring is not a common side effect associated with Sertraline use, it is essential to recognise that some individuals may be more susceptible to snoring and sleep-related breathing issues with Sertraline. Several factors contribute to this heightened risk:
History of sleep disorders
People having a history of sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), insomnia, restless legs syndrome (RLS) and sleep-related breathing problems, are more likely to experience snoring. Sertraline can potentially worsen sleep problems.
Chronic nasal congestion
Chronic nasal congestion can obstruct airflow during sleep leading to snoring. The use of Sertraline for mental well-being, while nasal congestion is unaddressed, can potentiate snoring. Addressing nasal congestion through appropriate measures can help mitigate this issue.
Use of multiple antidepressants
As stated earlier, the use of antidepressants can cause snoring and sleep problems. Some individuals with depression may be prescribed multiple antidepressants, increasing the risk of snoring. Close monitoring and dose adjustments may be necessary in such cases.
What to do if Sertraline causes snoring?
If you find that Sertraline is making you snore or causing other sleep-related problems, talk to your doctor. Inform them if you already have sleep problems or are facing them now after Sertraline therapy. Your doctor can recommend dosage adjustment.
Typically, Sertraline is titrated and the dose is gradually increased to avoid side effects. Your doctor may also suggest a sleep study to assess your sleep patterns and rule out underlying sleep disorders. This can provide valuable insight into the cause of your snoring and guide treatment decisions.
You should also try to have good sleep hygiene. Here are some healthy sleep habits that can help you avoid snoring.
- Maintain a regular sleep schedule. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.
- Take Sertraline daily at the same time to ensure a uniform therapeutic effect.
- Sleep on your side because sleeping on your back makes snoring more likely. Sleeping on your side keeps your airway open and reduces snoring.
- Avoid alcohol before bedtime as it relaxes the muscles of the throat making snoring more likely. Alcohol can also interact with Sertraline.
- Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight increases the risk of soring. Regular exercise and a balanced diet can help you in weight management.
- Create a comfortable sleep environment. Ensure your bedroom is conducive to restful sleep.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Sertraline has been reported to cause snoring and other sleep-related breathing problems in some people however the risk of this side effect is very low.
If you find yourself snoring while taking Sertraline, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for dose adjustment and guidance.
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