Long-standing substance abuse usually puts the body and mind through many unfavorable changes. These untoward events may continue to prove challenging as a healing subject undergoes detox and recovery. One of the most unpleasant occurrences often involves significant sleep cycle disturbances.
Substance Dependency’s Impact On Sleep
Chemical addiction possesses the capacity to impact normal sleep routines for several reasons including:
Brain Chemistry
Alcohol and other drugs hold the ability to alter a user’s brain chemistry. These imbalances often deplete concentrations of important hormones and other chemicals vital to helping people fall and remain asleep.
Lifestyle Habits
In many cases, those consuming prodigious quantities of alcohol or other substances engage in said activities during the late evening or early morning hours typically reserved for slumbering. Such behaviors often disrupt normal sleep and waking cycles.
Agitation
The brains and bodies of persons possessing chemical dependencies on alcohol and other chemicals grow so reliant on said substances to function that the afflicted individuals can seldom last a few hours without experiencing disturbing, uncomfortable, and potentially serious withdrawal symptoms like agitation, nervousness, and restlessness.
When such manifestations occur during typical sleep hours, obtaining meaningful or productive rest is difficult and, in certain instances, impossible.
Fear Of The Unknown
When one undergoes detox or treatment, they might display a fear of the unknown. Said individuals have recognized they have a serious problem and are taking the first crucial step in addressing this issue.
That said, during the processes’s initial stages, such subjects face the reality of knowing that their lives, past habits, and many of their previous associations must change forever. Such daunting thoughts are often enough to keep impacted persons awake at night.
The Importance Of Sleep During Detox And Recovery
Lengthy and quality sleep are important at all times. However, said facts are increased manifold for those experiencing detox and subsequent treatment because restful slumber:
Promotes The Healing Process
Some persons with severe alcohol or drug addictions or dependencies lasting for many years may have underlying health problems. Said maladies could have a profoundly negative impact upon their well-being and could either complicate or delay recovery.
Sleep plays an integral role in the healing process. When the body is at rest, various repair and maintenance processes occur. Therefore, improving souls receiving appropriate rest stand a better chance of enjoying a more fruitful and expedient recovery.
Strengthens The Immune System
Few events weaken the immune system more than a prolonged lack of sleep. Such occurrences could render insomniacs bodies more susceptible to untoward ailments like colds, the flu, and other opportunistic infections. Moreover, a compromised immune system might increase a stricken subject’s risk of developing serious, potentially life-threatening maladies like cancer and autoimmune disorders.
Recovering alcoholics or drug users must remember that said vices carry the capacity to cause appreciable damage inside the body. Ergo, stricken bodies need sleep to ensure their immune systems remain strong and substance abuse-induced damage can heal properly.
Powers The Mind
Sleep problems could pose serious problems inside a recovering dependent’s mind. Failing to obtain productive and discernible rest could result in:
- Clouded judgment
- Declining cognitive functions like focus and memory
- Anxiety
- Depression
Over time, mental stress could compromise a recovering subject’s ability to recover and might even lead to relapse.
Sleep-Boosting Efforts
Fortunately, those going through detox and recovery might gain longer and more quality sleep through efforts such as:
Developing A Schedule
Developing a strict sleep schedule might help healing souls sleep. This means retiring the same time each night and awakening similar times every morning. Such habits train the body to adhere to a schedule and set its internal clock, which medical professionals and sleep specialists often refer to as the circadian rhythm.
Avoiding Food Or Beverage Consumption Before Bed
Consuming food or beverages prior to bedtime often provides an infusion of energy proving counterproductive to the sleep process. Additionally, said actions might precipitate sleep-interrupting trips to the restroom.
Relaxing Before Retiring
It is crucial for recovering subjects to avoid distractions during the evening. Ergo, said individuals are highly encouraged to partake in settling activities including:
- Powering down all electronic devices
- Not performing any work-related duties or tending to other significant responsibilities
- Limiting or eliminating all unnecessary stressors
- Setting preferred temperature and lighting settings
- Avoiding the taking of or making calls
Moreover, such persons are urged to identify and participate in calming hobbies like reading or meditating.
Exercising
Physical activity is beneficial on certain notable fronts. First, said activity tires the body’s physical components. Additionally, exercise often precipitates the release of hormones geared towards inducing calmness and precipitating positive emotions.
Contacting Us
Persons concerned about potential insomnia or any other challenging aspect of detox and recovery are urged to reach out to us. Our trained addiction specialists can allay fears and answer any questions said parties might have. Call 833-364-0736.