*Trazodone is definitely considered a safer med, due to it's safer side effect profile. Low doses exploit has potent actions as a 5HT2A antagonist, and its properties as an antagonist of H1-histaminic (antihistamine) and α1-adrenergic receptors. Which at doses of 25-100mg causes drowsiness.
It has a half-life that can range from 6-9 hrs. From my own personal experience, I can't take more than 50mg. I would be like the zombies in 'Shaun of the Dead'. If I were to take higher doses. I haven't used it in a long time
*Seroquel is an AAP med and at low doses is a histamine blocker (antihistamine) and a adrenergic/ adrenal blocker, both of which usually causes drowsiness. Not to say Seroquel doesn't help many people but you do have to consider the side effects that are possible: increased weight gain, increased appetite, glycemic and cholesterol issues-
http://www.govexec.com/pdfs/013111bb1a.pdf
Seoquel's half life is around 6-7 hrs.
Seoquel XR has a half life of about 9-12 hrs.
Take into consideration if you are taking the meds. on a full or empty stomach, dose, and individual metabolism.
*This is basically a meta-analysis comparing Trazodone vs. Seroquel to treat insomnia-
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3977773/
*Some info on Seroquel-
Seroquel, Seroquel XR (quetiapine) dosing, indications, interactions, adverse effects, and more
Abstract on Seroquel off PubMed via Sage Journals with references and PDF links-
SAGE Journals: Your gateway to world-class journal research
Here's a link for Seroquel-
https://www.drugs.com/seroquel.html
Anecdotal feed back on Seroquel for sleep-
https://www.drugs.com/comments/queti...-insomnia.html
Do you take Seroquel or Seroquel XR for Insomnia? - Sleep Disorders - Perchance to Dream - CrazyBoards.org
*Summary from the study below on Trazodone-
Cognitive, psychomotor and polysomnographic effects of trazodone in primary insomniacs - ROTH - 2011 - Journal of Sleep Research - Wiley Online Library
Complete paper on Trazodone with a study and a lot of references to other studies/links-
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3165092/
Anecdotal reviews-
https://www.drugs.com/comments/trazo...-insomnia.html
Sleep Hygiene (Yeah, I know we've all heard about these)
Watching TV in bed Don't. TV viewing is not conducive to calming down.
Computer work in bed Don't work on a computer at all for at least an hour before going to bed.
Drinking alcoholic or caffeinated drinks at night Don't drink either for at least 3 hours before going to bed.
Taking medicines late at night Many prescription and nonprescription medicines can delay or disrupt sleep. If you take any on a regular basis, check with your doctor about this.
Big meals late at night Not ideal especially if you are prone to indigestion or heartburn. Allow at least 3 hours between dinner and going to bed.
Smoking at night Don't smoke for at least 3 hours before going to bed. (Better yet: quit!)
Lack of exercise Just do it! Regular exercise promotes healthy sleep.
Exercise late at night A no-no. Allow at least 4 hours between exercise and going to bed. It revs up your metabolism, making falling asleep harder.
Busy or stressful activities late at night Another no-no. Stop working or doing strenuous house work at least 2 hours before going to bed. The best preparation for a good night's rest is unwinding and relaxing.
Varying bedtimes Going to sleep at widely varying bed times -- 10:00 p.m. one night and 1:00 a.m. the next -- disrupts optimal sleep. The best practice is to go to sleep at around the same time every night, even on the weekends
Varying wake-up times Likewise, the best practice is to wake up around the same time every day (with not more than an hour's difference on the weekends).
Spending too much time in bed, tossing and turning Solving insomnia by spending too much time in bed is usually counter-productive; you'll become only more frustrated. Don't stay in bed if you are awake, tossing and turning. Get up and do something else until you are ready to go to sleep.
Late day napping Naps can be wonderful but should not be taken after 3:00 pm. This can disrupt your ability to get to sleep at night.
Poor sleep environment Noisy, too hot, uncomfortable bed, not dark enough, not the right covers or pillow -- all these can prevent a good night's sleep. Solve these problems if you have them.
Trazodone: Common sleep drug is little-known antidepressant - Consumer Reports
As always, talk to your pdoc/health care team about your choices and concerns!