The Show Must Go On: Actor and father Taye Diggs on how he combats insomnia

(Family Features) Esteemed actor and father Taye Diggs dominates the stage and screen, bringing energy and life to each of his roles. In his real life, however, Diggs struggled to show up as his best self due to a years-long struggle with falling or staying asleep (insomnia). Diggs’ troubled relationship with sleep started following the birth of his son. Joining more than 25 million Americans who struggle with insomnia, according to research published in the “Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care,” he found the lack of adequate sleep left him tired during the day and took a toll on him on-stage as an actor and off-stage as a parent. “Not getting enough sleep made it difficult to do the things I normally love doing – performing, spending time with my son, eating a good meal – because I was so tired,” Diggs said. “All I could think was, ‘I can’t wait to get home and take a nap.’” Diggs’ Journey to Find His Solution Diggs knew something needed to change after countless attempts at treating his insomnia with over-the-counter medications, prescription options and home remedies like caffeine pills, energy drinks and naps. In 2022, he decided to revisit his trouble sleeping with his doctor. Based on his needs and preferences, his doctor recommended QUVIVIQ (daridorexant) CIV, a prescription medicine for adults who have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep (insomnia), proven in clinical studies to help patients get more sleep when taken once nightly. Taking the medication helps Diggs get more sleep every night (individual results may vary). Getting more sleep at night helps him feel less tired during the day and he can focus on himself and his son instead of wondering how much sleep he’ll get that night. Diggs’ doctor discussed QUVIVIQ’s safety profile with him and told him it may cause headaches or sleepiness during the day and to avoid driving or doing other activities until he feels fully awake. He also explained that clinical trials showed taking the medication every night did not lead to withdrawal symptoms upon stopping and mentioned it is a federally controlled substance because it can be abused or lead to dependence. Diggs learned a lot about managing his insomnia and wants to help others who may be struggling. Diggs’ Advice: Talk about insomnia. Insomnia is a real medical condition and deserves to be treated as such. This is why Diggs encourages people to talk with their doctors about possible treatment options.   Stick to the treatment plan. When Diggs is consistent with taking QUVIVIQ every night as directed, he gets more sleep. He recommends others work closely with their doctors to build treatment plans they feel good about.   Seek support. Paying for treatments can be a concern for many. Those interested should visit QUVIVIQ.com to download or screen shot a QSavings Card to receive discounts on the first month as well as refills for eligible commercially insured patients. Terms and conditions apply. If you’re like Diggs and struggle with falling asleep or staying asleep, start a conversation with your doctor and see if QUVIVIQ is right for you. Individual results may vary. Review the additional important safety information for QUVIVIQ. To learn more or share your personal story, visit QUVIVIQ.com. What is QUVIVIQ? QUVIVIQ (daridorexant) 25 mg, 50 mg tablets is a prescription medicine for adults who have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep (insomnia). Important Safety Information Do not take QUVIVIQ if you fall asleep often at unexpected times (narcolepsy). QUVIVIQ may cause serious side effects, including: Decreased awareness and alertness. The morning after you take QUVIVIQ, your ability to drive safely and think clearly may be decreased. You may also have sleepiness during the day. Do not take more QUVIVIQ than prescribed. Do not take QUVIVIQ unless you are able to stay in bed for at least 7 hours before you must be active again. Take QUVIVIQ at night within 30 minutes before going to bed. QUVIVIQ is a federally controlled substance because it can be abused or lead to dependence. Before taking QUVIVIQ, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you: have a history of depression, mental illness, or suicidal thoughts or actions; drug or alcohol abuse or addiction; a sudden onset of muscle weakness (cataplexy); daytime sleepiness have lung or breathing problems, including sleep apnea have liver problems are pregnant or plan to become pregnant are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed Tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Taking QUVIVIQ with certain medicines can cause serious side effects. QUVIVIQ may affect the way other medicines work and other medicines may affect the way QUVIVIQ works. Do not take QUVIVIQ with other medicines that can make you sleepy unless instructed by your healthcare provider. What should I avoid while taking QUVIVIQ? Do not drink alcohol while taking QUVIVIQ. It can increase the effects of alcohol, which can be dangerous. Do not drive, operate heavy machinery, do anything dangerous, or do other activities that require clear thinking if you do not feel fully awake, or you have taken QUVIVIQ and have less than a full night of sleep (at least 7 hours), or if you have taken more QUVIVIQ than prescribed. QUVIVIQ may cause other serious side effects, including: Worsening depression and suicidal thoughts. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any worsening depression or thoughts of suicide or dying. Temporary inability to move or talk (sleep paralysis) for up to several minutes, or hallucinations while you are going to sleep or waking up. Complex sleep behaviors such as sleep-walking, sleep-driving, preparing and eating food, making phone calls, having sex or doing other activities while not fully awake that you may not remember the next morning. Stop taking QUVIVIQ and call your healthcare provider right away if you experience a complex sleep behavior. The most common side effects of QUVIVIQ are headache and sleepiness. These are not all of the possible side effects of QUVIVIQ. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Please see the full Prescribing Information and Medication Guide.   US-DA-00740 04/23 Source: Idorsia