Using certain substances, such as cocaine or stimulants, may decrease how much sleep you are getting. Other drugs, like cannabis, can increase the time you spend sleeping due to how it alters brain wave patterns. Undergoing detoxification from illicit substances and alcohol, likewise, can also change sleep routines. The possibility of relapse also increases depending on sleep difficulties due to the potential to self-medicate with alcohol and tranquilizers. Mental health disorders, such as bipolar disorder, can be linked to the amount of sleep one gets, as well as to substance abuse disorders. Studies show that over forty million Americans have been diagnosed with a chronic sleep disorder, and another twenty million Americans have less-frequent issues with sleeping.

Substance-induced sleep disorders occur when an individual is exposed to toxins or takes medications, alcohol, or drugs. Alcohol disturbs your normal sleep patterns by affecting your brain’s neurotransmitters. While in small increments you may find yourself tired or sedated, your REM sleep will be altered during the first half of the night. You will find yourself waking up a lot throughout the night due to a rebound of REM slumber. There is also a link between alcohol consumption and sleep apnea.

Cocaine does not disturb your sleep in the same manner as alcohol. This substance activates the release of dopamine, a brain chemical that increases being awake, which affects both non-REM and REM sleep become altered. Upon cessation from cocaine, you will feel extremely tired, and thus desire more cocaine to stay awake.

What Is Considered Typical Sleep?

Sleep is a necessity, as it restores the central nervous system, helps to preserve energy, regulates body temperature, and aids with the understanding of information and disposing of noncrucial memories. It’s necessary to get at least four hours of slumber in a twenty-four hour period, but it’s suggested that you shoot for up to nine hours of sleep daily.

How Sleep and Substance Use Disorders Effect One Another

During the time you are at rest, you will undergo non-REM sleep, where your body will move often and your brain activity will slow in a uniformed manner. This allows for a decrease in blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate, while allowing each to remain steady.

Dreaming occurs when you reach REM (or rapid eye movement) sleep. In this state, your muscles will twitch, while your blood pressure and heart rate will no longer remain at a steady rate. REM sleep affects your memory as well as your ability to process information. Norepinephrine regulates sleep in this state.

Regain a Good Sleep Pattern Through the Help of an Alternative Treatment Program

At Discovery Place in Burns, Tennessee, we understand the importance of a good night’s sleep to achieve and maintain your sobriety. We offer a multitude of programs to suit your individual needs, including a thirty-day alternative treatment program. This program offers educational groups, one-on-one sessions to aid with creating individualized action plans, 12 Step therapy groups, and meetings both on and off campus. It also encompasses relapse prevention to aid you in identifying sober coping skills that you can use in the real world. Contact us today at 1-800-725-0922 to join over four-thousand recovery alumni.

Testimonials

  • Discovery Place was the answer for my son. He did the 90 day and then the step down program and sober living. We give this organization 10 stars. They met my son where he was …emotionally, mentally, physically. They helped him put his life back on track. Discovery Place employees care about their guests. If your son, brother, nephew, grandson or husband needs excellent supportive care THIS is indeed the facility.

    Kim Morton
    Alumni Parent
  • I have remained sober and it is because of DP. DP is the best place there is, hands down. I keep everyone there in my prayers, and I encourage everyone there to take what they are practicing and do it in their lives, after.

    Roy Mantelli
    Alumni
  • Over the past year, I’ve been putting into actin what Discovery Place taught me, and I have experienced a complete perspective change of the world, and the people in it. I get to be a man of service and love today, and for that I am grateful to Discovery Place.

    Matt Kassay
    Alumni
  • Discovery Place means the world to me. They showed me the tools that I’ve tried to use everyday in my life to think less often of myself, and more frequently of others. I am learning to lend a hand when I am able and to have a honest and humble relationship with God and the people around me. Not only am I clean and sober, but also I am happy and fulfilled.

    Tommy Parker
    Alumni
  • Discovery Place and the men who work there made recovery attractive, and more importantly, fun. There is strength in the struggle. I am forever grateful for my time at Discovery Place.

    Creed McClellan
    Alumni
  • When I got to Discovery Place my whole life was in shambles, but I didn’t know it. I spent 6 months in their programs, participating in all three phases, and was met with kindness and love all along the way. It is unbelievable to me, where I am now relative to where I was when I arrived at DP.

    Lance Duke
    Alumni
  • I can never say enough good things about Discovery Place and the people who work there. Before checking in to DP, I was out of options and out of answers. Fortunately, Discovery Place has a solution. Taking suggestions from the staff at DP saved my life, and as a result, I’m now more content and hopeful about life. I’m grateful for Discovery Place showing me how to live a healthy life so that I can become a better man and help the next guy.”

    Tyler Buckingham
    Alumni

    Thinking About Rehab?

    Learn More About Our Alternative Residential Recovery Programs

      Alternative Drug & Alcohol Treatment Rehab
    • Admissions
    • About Us
    • Contact
    • Talk to someone about your options

      Talk to someone about your options

      Blue Pig Media