Final answer:
SSRIs may lead to sleep disturbances such as insomnia when first initiated. These disturbances are due to alterations in sleep architecture caused by increased serotonin levels. Monitoring and reporting these disturbances to a healthcare provider are essential, and they may lessen over time or be treated with cognitive-behavioral therapy.
Step-by-step explanation:
Initiating a trial of an SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor) for depression or anxiety can sometimes lead to a sleep disturbance such as insomnia. SSRIs are known to alter sleep architecture and can potentially result in difficulty falling or staying asleep, which is a common form of sleep disorder. Despite their potential to disturb sleep, SSRIs are commonly prescribed due to their effectiveness in treating depression and some anxiety disorders.
While the exact mechanism is not fully understood, the serotonin increase caused by SSRIs is implicated in the altered sleep patterns. Patients are advised to monitor their sleep and report any significant disturbances to their healthcare provider. In some cases, the body adjusts to the medication over time and sleep disturbances may subside. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has also been shown to be effective in treating insomnia, whether associated with medication or not.