When life gets hard, falling asleep can be difficult as we tend to analyze every issue we have, often imagining it getting even worse. Listening to the relaxing sounds of the waves or having a cup of calming tea sometimes isn’t enough to prevent late-night overthinking.
In such cases, your doctor may recommend taking sleep medication. If used correctly, these drugs help you get the rest you need to start your day energized.
Dayvigo and Belsomra are common medications prescribed to adults who struggle to fall or stay asleep. They have similar effects and belong to the relatively new drug group called orexin receptor antagonists.
Despite the many similarities, these two sleep medications have many differences. We’ll cover both in this Dayvigo vs. Belsomra comparison.
Dayvigo and Belsomra—Characteristics and Effectiveness
Dayvigo and Belsomra are dual orexin receptor antagonists (DORAs), the class of medications that block orexins, i.e., brain chemicals that help you stay awake.
Orexins bind to specific receptors in the brain, signaling to your body when it’s time to wake up or switch to the next stage of sleep. By binding to and blocking orexins from activating these receptors, DORAs like Belsomra and Dayvigo reduce wakefulness. They help you fall and remain asleep throughout the night.
The active ingredient in Dayvigo is lemborexant, whereas in Belsomra it’s suvorexant. Lemborexant and suvorexant have been clinically proven to be effective in treating insomnia.
Before diving deeper, get to know the basics in this Dayvigo vs. Belsomra comparison table:
About Dayvigo
Dayvigo was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in December 2019 based on evidence from two clinical trials, which included over 1,600 patients and covered 164 sites worldwide. It was the second DORA to be approved by the FDA after Belsomra, which got its approval in 2014. In 2020, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) labeled Dayvigo as a Schedule IV controlled substance as it has low potential for dependence and abuse.
How To Take Dayvigo and What To Expect
Dayvigo comes in tablet form and is available in two dosages:
- 5 mg
- 10 mg
The average recommended dose is 5 mg per day, and the maximum is 10 mg. You should take Dayvigo right before going to bed.
Dayvigo is fast-acting and should kick in soon after you take it. In studies that lasted six months, people fell asleep about 20 minutes after taking their dose. Keep in mind that if you take it with or soon after a meal, the onset may be delayed, so try to abstain from any late-night snacks during the treatment.
It’s important to set aside at least seven hours of sleep if you’re taking this drug as you may feel drowsy and unfocused the next day otherwise. Despite this, you shouldn’t experience any visual hallucinations, dependence, memory issues, or similar problems that may occur with some other sleep medications.
Dayvigo Side Effects
Side effects of Dayvigo may include:
- Drowsiness the next day
- Headache
- Abnormal dreams
- Sleepwalking and other unusual sleep behaviors
- Sleep paralysis and muscle weakness
- Heart palpitations
If you experience any side effects, inform your doctor as soon as possible. They may adjust the dose, recommend an alternative, or help you manage unpleasant reactions.
Dayvigo may also cause an allergic reaction in some users. If you notice swelling on your face or mouth or other allergy symptoms, contact your doctor and seek medical help immediately.
Who Can Use Dayvigo?
Dayvigo is prescribed to adults who have trouble falling and staying asleep or for those who experience poor sleep quality. Your doctor will avoid giving you the drug if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Persons under 18 years of age should also not take this medication.
Dayvigo Contraindications
It’s best to avoid Dayvigo if you have any of the medical conditions or take any of the substances listed below:
Notify your healthcare provider of any medications you take and conditions or symptoms you may be experiencing before taking Dayvigo.
Source: Ivan Oboleninov
About Belsomra
The first FDA-approved DORA, Belsomra was released in August 2014, five years before Dayvigo. It was evaluated based on three clinical trials, which included nearly 1,000 participants. Belsomra is also a Schedule IV controlled substance, entailing a low risk for dependence and misuse.
How To Take Belsomra and What To Expect
Belsomra comes in tablet form and has four dosages:
- 5 mg
- 10 mg
- 15 mg
- 20 mg
The typical daily dose is 10 mg, while the maximum is 20 mg. You should take Belsomra about 30 minutes before going to sleep. As is the case with Dayvigo, you should aim to have at least 7 hours of sleep to avoid drowsiness the following day.
Unlike Dayvigo, Belsomra will need about half an hour to take effect, but it may need more if you take it with food or right after a meal.
Belsomra Side Effects
Side effects of Belsomra are similar to side effects of Dayvigo and can include:
- Drowsiness the next day
- Abnormal dreams
- Headache
- Coughing and common cold
- Sleepwalking and other unusual sleep behaviors
- Sleep paralysis and muscle weakness
If you experience side effects, let your doctor know so they can adjust the treatment or help you deal with the symptoms. Look out for signs of an allergic reaction and seek immediate medical care if you notice swelling on the face or mouth, changes in your skin, or difficulty breathing.
Who Can Use Belsomra?
Belsomra is intended for adults who have difficulty falling or staying asleep. Most people over 18 can use Belsomra unless they are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Those suffering from specific medical conditions or taking certain medications, which are listed below, may not be able to take this drug.
Belsomra Contraindications
You should avoid Belsomra if you have any of the medical conditions or take any of the substances listed below:
Inform your healthcare provider about any medical conditions you have or treatments you receive before taking Belsomra.
Source: cottonbro studio
Dayvigo vs. Belsomra—Which One’s Right for You?
So, is Dayvigo better than Belsomra? It depends on your health status, lifestyle, and medical history. Your doctor will gather the relevant information to determine the best option. Make sure to follow their instructions closely to get the best results.
If you’re interested in trying Dayvigo, Belsomra, or any other sleep medications, make an appointment with a primary care doctor, psychiatrist, or sleep medicine specialist to get a prescription. If you're interested in a quicker, more convenient option, consider Kick—the first online performance medicine clinic that helps you optimize your sleep.
Try Alternative Physician-Approved Sleep Solutions With Kick
While a visit to a GP can help, it’s always best to consult with an expert. The problem is sleep specialists are in short supply, comprising less than 1% of available healthcare providers. When you find yourself struggling with sleep and feeling exhausted, the waiting time to see a specialist can feel like forever.
To get the prompt assistance you need, turn to Kick’s sleep program, designed by a Stanford sleep doctor.
With Kick, you can connect with a sleep expert online within a day. After filling out the 15-minute questionnaire, our doctors will assess your case and, if you’re eligible, prescribe two different sleep medications. For your convenience, we will deliver them right to your home or local pharmacy.
Kick also has a “Doctor Guarantee”—if the specialist decides you’re not a good candidate for our treatment, you won’t be charged.
Kick’s experts don’t prescribe only the most popular sleeping medications but personalize the treatment to your lifestyle and health status. All drugs our doctors prescribe are fast-acting, so the trial process is usually brief.
Source: Andrea Piacquadio
Kick—Sleep Science at Your Fingertips
After trying the medication, you’ll report on your progress. Your doctor will fine-tune the treatment until you find a perfect solution together. You’ll also get tips on the most effective, non-pharmaceutical sleep hygiene methods to improve your sleep routine.
To help you maintain a good night’s sleep, the doctor will check in with you each month. By rotating your medication, they’ll eliminate the risk of dependence.
Kick’s science-backed solutions transform your sleep and day-to-day performance, as evidenced in our Trustpilot reviews.
To give Kick a try, here’s what you need to do:
- Go to the signup page and start your 15-minute sleep visit immediately
- Enter the required information
- Fill out the intake form that gathers your medical history and relevant information about your condition
- Choose whether to get home delivery or pick up medication the same day from a local pharmacy
- Provide shipping and payment details
Don’t let occasional sleeplessness bog you down. Take the first step toward better sleep with Kick and start celebrating your mornings!
Featured image: cottonbro studio
