The Medication Trap: 11 Ways Your Sleep Aid May Be Contributing to Weight Gain

9. Discontinuation: Weight Rebound After Stopping Medications

Stopping certain medications, especially those prescribed for weight loss or specific chronic conditions, can sometimes result in rapid weight regain. Large-scale research has shown that patients discontinuing weight-loss aids start to regain weight as soon as eight weeks after stopping, with changes continuing for up to five months before stabilizing. If you’re transitioning off any sleep-related medication, pay attention to your body’s response. It’s normal to feel frustrated or concerned if lost weight returns quickly, but this isn’t a reflection of your effort or worth—it’s simply how the body adapts. Support yourself with kindness during medication changes. Small lifestyle tweaks, and regular check-ins with your healthcare team, can make each transition smoother and more predictable.

10. Sleep Deprivation, Food Choices, and Metabolism

Not all weight changes connected to sleep meds come from the medications themselves. Sometimes, the stress of disrupted or shallow sleep—whether due to reliance on medication or trouble finding the right dose—can drive the body toward high-calorie foods and quick energy fixes. It’s a common, deeply human pattern. Research from the Sleep Foundation and GoodRx confirms that lack of quality sleep can shift hunger hormones, making it easier to crave sweets, chips, or extra servings. Focusing on rebuilding a gentle, regular sleep routine may help your body and brain naturally return to healthier food choices. Even if it takes time to see changes, each step matters. Prioritize rest, and let food and energy follow.