Diazepam for Sleep — Does It Work and Should You Use It?
Diazepam is not a dedicated hypnotic — it is an anxiolytic and muscle relaxant. But when insomnia is driven by anxiety, a small dose 30–60 minutes before bed often works very well.
The catch
Tolerance to the sedating effect builds in 7–14 days of nightly use. Then you need a higher dose, or you stop sleeping again. Reserve diazepam for the bad nights, not every night.
Better alternatives for nightly use
- Sleep hygiene first: same wake time, no caffeine after lunch, dark cool bedroom
- Short course of zopiclone for stubborn insomnia (UK GP prescription)
- Treat underlying anxiety with SSRIs + CBT
If you do use diazepam
5mg–10mg, 30–60 min before bed, no more than 2–3 nights a week, never with alcohol. Expect some morning grogginess from the long half-life.
This article is general information for UK readers and is not a substitute for personal medical advice. Always speak to a doctor or pharmacist before starting, changing or stopping diazepam.
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