And he concludes that it’s a cumulative risk.
Dr. Charles explained that diphenhydramine is an antihistamine commonly used for allergic reactions.
“One of the major side effects of antihistamines (like Benadryl) is drowsiness.
This side effect is now being utilized as a sleep aid.
In the short term, antihistamines are safe and well tolerated.
They are used commonly in dermatology, allergy clinics, and internal medicine,” he shared.
“Taking these as sleep aids short-term feels like safe.
However, when taken every night for sleep, were seeing associations with dementia*,” he said.
And he isn’t sure what specific ingredient may be linked to dementia.
“As for why this OTC medicine is associated with dementia, we may never find out.
So why aren’t these risks being disclosed more openly?
“And I would caution against any long-term sleep aid,” he added.
“I like to recommend a winding-down routine to my patients,” he said.
“No screentime, no caffeine, no alcohol.”
