It can, in either direction: MedlinePlus lists both drowsiness and difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep among the possible side effects of naproxen, the active ingredient in Aleve.
The Aleve Gelcaps label itself does not include a drowsiness warning - that absence is not a promise either way. This page is about Aleve Gelcaps (naproxen sodium 220 mg); if your box lists different active ingredients, its own Drug Facts label is the one that applies.
What the label says
Aleve Gelcaps has one active ingredient - naproxen sodium 220 mg (NSAID), a pain reliever and fever reducer. The sleep question is answered by two sources: MedlinePlus's naproxen side-effect list and the product's own label:
Who should ask a doctor first
The Aleve Gelcaps label says do not use it if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any other pain reliever or fever reducer, or right before or after heart surgery.
The label says to ask a doctor before use if you have:
- the stomach bleeding warning applying to you - age 60 or older, past stomach ulcers or bleeding problems, blood thinning or steroid drugs, other NSAIDs (aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or others), 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day, or taking more or for longer than directed
- a history of stomach problems, such as heartburn
- high blood pressure, heart disease, liver cirrhosis, kidney disease, asthma, or had a stroke, or you are taking a diuretic
- problems or serious side effects from taking pain relievers or fever reducers
- or if you are under a doctor's care for any serious condition, are taking aspirin for heart attack or stroke prevention (the label says naproxen may decrease this benefit of aspirin), or are taking any other drug - those are doctor-or-pharmacist questions on the label
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, the label says to ask a health professional before use. MedlinePlus says do not take naproxen around or after 20 weeks of pregnancy unless your doctor tells you to, and to call your doctor if you become pregnant while taking it; the FDA recommends avoiding NSAIDs at 20 weeks or later in pregnancy. Stop use and ask a doctor if you experience signs of stomach bleeding - feeling faint, vomiting blood, bloody or black stools, or stomach pain that does not get better - or leg swelling, or if new symptoms appear. MedlinePlus says to get emergency medical help right away if you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness in one part or side of the body, or slurred speech. If an allergic reaction occurs, the label says to stop use and seek medical help right away. A pharmacist or your prescriber is the right reviewer for your full medication list. An AI consult can help you work out what to ask; it is not a substitute for that review.
Common questions
Does Aleve make you sleepy?
It can: MedlinePlus lists drowsiness among the possible side effects of naproxen, Aleve's active ingredient. The Aleve Gelcaps label itself does not include a drowsiness warning - an absence that is not a promise either way.
Is Aleve non-drowsy?
The label carries no drowsiness warning, but MedlinePlus lists drowsiness as a possible naproxen side effect - so "no warning on the label" does not mean "cannot make you drowsy."
Can Aleve keep you awake?
It can: the same MedlinePlus side-effect list includes difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.
Can I drink alcohol with Aleve?
The label's stomach bleeding warning says the chance of severe stomach bleeding is higher with 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day while using this product.
Does this apply to every Aleve product?
This page covers Aleve Gelcaps (naproxen sodium 220 mg) only. Check the Drug Facts on your own box - the active ingredients listed there are the label that applies to it.