How Do GLP-1s Affect Your Sleep?

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists are mainly used to help with weight loss and blood sugar control. But we’re quickly learning how they can impact multiple different parts of the body. In fact, certain GLP-1s are also approved to treat other health conditions, like obstructive sleep apnea.

There’s no known direct link between GLP-1 medications and sleep changes. But this is a topic of ongoing research. There’s still some evidence that these medications can improve sleep for some people, while making it worse for others. Here’s what is known about the effects of GLP-1s on sleep.

Do GLP-1s help you sleep?

Currently, there aren’t any studies that look only at how GLP-1s affect sleep quality. But studies do show they can improve obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep apnea causes breathing to stop for short periods of time during sleep. This decreases your blood oxygen levels and harms sleep quality. By improving sleep apnea, GLP-1s may indirectly improve your sleep quality, too.

Zepbound (tirzepatide) is the first GLP-1 medication that’s FDA-approved for treatment of sleep apnea. Researchers are also looking at whether semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic) can help with sleep apnea.

GLP-1s can help with sleep apnea because of their impact on weight loss. Studies show that losing weight — in any way — can improve sleep problems related to sleep apnea. So GLP-1s may help you sleep better by treating a condition that disrupts sleep. 

Can GLP-1s cause sleep problems?

GLPs aren’t known to cause sleep problems. But some people may still notice sleep changes after starting a GLP-1. 

Common side effects of GLP-1s can cause or worsen sleep issues. These include:

• Nausea and vomiting

• Bloating

• Stomach pain

• Diarrhea or constipation

• Indigestion

• Heartburn

If you already have trouble sleeping before starting a GLP-1, these side effects may feel worse. This interplay between side effects and poor sleep, each worsening the other, can lead to a difficult cycle. 

In this case, it’s important to make changes that address both the side effects and the sleep problems to feel better.

What to expect when starting a GLP-1

If you have obstructive sleep apnea, your sleep problems may improve a few weeks to months after starting a GLP-1. This is how long it takes for most people to experience noticeable weight loss, which is a key mechanism for improving sleep apnea. 

If you’re having trouble sleeping because of GLP-1 side effects, you might find that these sleep issues start soon after you begin taking a GLP-1. This is because most side effects happen early. 

The good news is that these side effects usually get better once your body adjusts to the medication. As they get better, any related sleep problems should improve too.

What should you do if you’re having a hard time sleeping on GLP-1s?

If you’re having a hard time sleeping while taking GLP-1s, the first step is to try and identify the cause. If you were having trouble sleeping before starting a GLP-1, it may help to look at other reasons for why you aren’t getting a good night’s rest. 

If you have common GLP-1 side effects, pay attention to how they may affect your sleep. Ask yourself:

• Has your evening or nighttime routine changed in some way?

• Do side effects happen more often in the evening time?

• How do you feel when you try to fall asleep? 

• Do any symptoms wake you up in the middle of the night?

Make a note of any patterns you notice. This can help you figure out what’s behind your sleeping problems. Bring these insights to your next appointment with your healthcare team. They can help you figure out the cause.

The following tips may also help you sleep better:

• Since GLP-1s slow your digestion, try to finish dinner several hours before bedtime.

• Try to get the majority of your nutrition earlier in the day, like at breakfast and lunch. This way you can make dinner your smallest meal. 

• Avoid caffeinated beverages or foods in the evening. 

• If you have heartburn symptoms, there are easy home remedies that can help.

• If hunger keeps you awake, consider a snack with sleep-promoting nutrients.

This may also be a good time to pay more attention to general sleep hygiene tips.

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Written by:

Joanna Jan, MD

Joanna Jan, MD, is board-certified in internal medicine and licensed to practice medicine in the state of Pennsylvania. In 2017, she received her board certification from the American Board of Internal Medicine.

Edited by:

Katie E. Golden, MD

Katie E. Golden, MD, is a board-certified emergency medicine physician and a medical editor at GoodRx.

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