After stopping the use of an addictive substance, significant changes can occur to your circadian rhythm. What exactly happens regarding our sleep patterns during a withdrawal? Undergoing detoxification from illicit substances and alcohol does change sleep routines. The possibility of relapse also increases depending on sleep difficulties due to the potential to self-medicate with alcohol and tranquilizers. It is important to remember that mental health disorders, such as bipolar disorder, can also contribute 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. Another 20 million Americans have issues with their sleep frequently. Those are just the ones that report their troubles with sleeping. Often those who are detoxing or trying to get away from drugs and alcohol are not as interested in seeing a doctor who may just prescribe more pills to help with sleep.

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 within your REM slumber. There is also a link between alcohol consumption and sleep apnea.

Cocaine does not work in the same manner as alcohol on your sleep. This substance works on your dopamine, which is a brain chemical that increases being awake. Both non-REM and REM sleep become altered. If you stop using cocaine, you most likely are feeling more tired, and thus desiring more cocaine to stay awake. This can play into your tolerance and dependency with the drug as well as a possible relapse.

Is There Really A Thing Called Typical Sleep?

If you have ever had a restlessness night, you have had the unfortunate opportunity to experience just how much of a necessity sleep is. The process of resting our eyes as we fall into REM sleep restores the central nervous system, helps to preserve energy, regulates body temperature, and aids with the understanding of information and disposing of non-crucial memories. Between four hours and 9 hours of sleep are recommended within a 24-hour period.

During the time that you are sleeping, your body might 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.

REM is reached when dreaming occurs. REM is also known as rapid eye movement. In this state, your muscles will twitch, and 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. This is necessary to reach to fully feel rested.

Stop Drugs and Alcohol to Regain a Good Sleep Pattern

The Discovery Place in Burns, Tennessee is an alternative treatment rehab that is committed to helping you stop the use of opioids, alcohol, cannabis, and other addictive substances. 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, and twelve-step studies 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. Remember: You deserve a good night’s sleep!