Is trazodone effective for sleeping?

Short term only: Used alot in elderly nursing homes, not particularly good for more than a few days, less rem sleep, but cheap.

Trazodone: Caution if mood swings or taking other medications that add to sedation, constipation, dry mouth, blurred vision.

Sometimes: Many people take trazodone for sleep. As with any medication it can have side effects, some serious (priapism or painful erections, inducing a mania in someone with bipolar) so make sure that you are following your doctor's advice. Generally trazodone is only moderately helpful, its main problem is that many people report a hungover feeling the next day.

Yes: I see my colleagues endorse trazodone only cautiously, but i've had good success with it in my practice. It's non-addictive (unlike many sleep aids), the dose is easily adjustable, and it's long-acting, so it gives a full night's sleep. It's not quick-acting, so best to take it a little ahead of bedtime. Side effects are rare in my experience.