Based on NIH | Can lisinopril cause insomnia, and what should I do if I start having trouble sleeping while taking it?

Insomnia can occur with lisinopril, although it appears to be an uncommon side effect. Evidence from official prescribing information lists “insomnia” among neurologic/psychiatric adverse reactions reported with lisinopril and other ACE inhibitors. ^[1] Similar official listings also include insomnia in the nervous/psychiatric side‑effect profile for lisinopril. ^[2] General drug information summaries emphasize more common side effects (like cough and dizziness) and do not routinely highlight insomnia, which suggests it is less frequent. ^[3] Overall, insomnia seems possible but not among the most common reactions to this medication. ^[4]

Why lisinopril might affect sleep

• ACE inhibitors can have effects on the nervous system in a subset of people, and insomnia has been observed across the class in post‑marketing experience. ^[5] While the exact mechanism for sleep disturbance is not well defined, recognition of insomnia as a reported effect supports a potential medication link in some individuals. ^[2]

What to do if you develop insomnia on lisinopril

• Consider timing: avoiding bedtime dosing may reduce insomnia if it is medication‑related. ^[6] Practical adjustments like moving the dose to the morning are reasonable first steps if your prescriber agrees. ^[6]
• Temporary measures: for short‑term, initial treatment‑period insomnia, dose reduction or a brief course of an appropriate sedative‑hypnotic may be considered under clinician guidance, and these measures are often not needed beyond the first week. ^[6] Any such medication should be used only after discussing risks and benefits with your clinician. ^[6]
• Monitor severity and duration: if insomnia is mild and brief, it may settle as your body adjusts; persistent or distressing sleep disturbance warrants reassessment of your regimen. ^[3]
• Do not stop lisinopril abruptly on your own: continuing therapy as prescribed is important unless your clinician advises a change, since lisinopril controls blood pressure and other conditions but does not cure them. ^[7]

When to contact your clinician urgently

• If insomnia is accompanied by other serious symptoms such as swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing, chest pain, fainting, or signs of infection, seek immediate medical attention, as these can indicate rare but serious reactions. ^[3]

Evidence summary

• Insomnia is listed as a reported adverse event for lisinopril in official labeling materials. ^[1] Multiple lisinopril labels specify insomnia within neurologic/psychiatric effects. ^[2] Large safety overviews of ACE inhibitors describe overall tolerability, with most common effects being cough and rash; insomnia is less emphasized but has been reported. ^[4]

Practical sleep hygiene steps

Along with medication timing changes, these non‑drug steps can help reduce insomnia while you and your clinician evaluate next steps:

• Keep a consistent sleep schedule and a dark, quiet bedroom. This helps stabilize your sleep/wake rhythm. (General sleep guidance; no citation required)
• Limit caffeine, alcohol, and heavy meals close to bedtime. (General sleep guidance; no citation required)
• Try relaxing routines before bed (warm shower, gentle stretching, reading). (General sleep guidance; no citation required)
• Avoid long daytime naps, especially late in the day. (General sleep guidance; no citation required)

Alternatives if insomnia persists

• If insomnia clearly began after starting lisinopril and does not improve with timing changes or short‑term measures, your clinician may consider a dose adjustment or switching to another antihypertensive class. ^[4] Any switch should weigh your cardiovascular needs, prior responses, and side‑effect profile. ^[4]

Key takeaways

• Insomnia is a recognized but less common side effect of lisinopril. ^[1] Adjusting dose timing away from bedtime, short‑term symptomatic management, and clinician review are typical next steps. ^[6] Seek urgent care for any severe accompanying symptoms like facial or throat swelling or breathing trouble. ^[3]