Alcohol withdrawal can be extremely challenging. After quitting drinking, a person with mild withdrawal symptoms can include headaches and nausea. More serious effects include seizures and hallucinations. One of the more common and most difficult alcohol withdrawal symptoms, and one that causes many alcoholics to relapse, is insomnia. Insomnia is characterized by poor sleep quality, prolonged wakefulness, and difficulty falling asleep.
The Link Between Alcoholism and Insomnia
According to one study, 58 percent of alcoholic men experienced insomnia during their first six days of alcohol withdrawal. There is a strong link between alcohol abuse and insomnia, for several reasons.
First, most alcoholics have sleep problems that originate before their alcohol dependency. More than half of alcoholics report having insomnia issues that predate their drinking, compared to 15 percent of the general adult population.
Supporting individuals through alcohol addiction withdrawal and detoxification is crucial due to the potentially dangerous symptoms. Many heavy drinkers use alcohol to help them sleep, even though the opposite is true. Alcohol disrupts deep sleep, increases the time it takes to fall asleep, and disrupts total sleep time. The reliance on alcohol as a sedative complicates the recovery process, particularly with issues such as insomnia that can trigger relapse.
Sleep problems can also occur with other types of substance dependency, including opiates, amphetamines, and cocaine.
Additionally, chronic alcohol use leads to alcohol dependence, which significantly impacts sleep quality and patterns. The negative effects of alcohol on sleep can last even after quitting drinking, so relapse during this time can be especially tempting.
Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal Insomnia
Withdrawal symptoms, including insomnia, will usually set in within eight hours of the last drink, peaking within 24 – 72 hours. Unfortunately, insomnia after quitting drinking can last several weeks or even months, so it’s especially important to address the issue head-on. Persistent insomnia is a significant withdrawal symptom that can exacerbate recovery challenges, potentially leading to increased anxiety and the risk of relapse.
Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal insomnia are usually obvious and include:
- Trouble falling asleep at night
- Frequent night wakings
- Restlessness
- Feeling constantly tired and waking up still feeling exhausted
- Nightmares
Lack of sleep from insomnia and alcohol withdrawal can exacerbate other symptoms too, so it’s very important to get to the root of the problem. Chronic insomnia, which persists for six months or more, can significantly impact overall daily functioning and well-being. As the body gets used to life without a substance, users frequently experience mood disorders, such as anxiety and depression, that can make it difficult to sleep.
Strategies for Managing Insomnia During Withdrawal
Navigating the journey of alcohol withdrawal often brings a host of challenging symptoms, especially during early recovery, one of the most common and distressing being insomnia. Lack of sleep not only affects your physical health but also your mental well-being, making the recovery process more difficult. Here are several strategies to help manage insomnia during this period:
- Establish a Relaxing Bedtime Routine: Creating a relaxing bedtime routine can significantly improve your sleep quality. Activities such as listening to calming music, reading a book, or taking a warm bath can help you unwind and prepare for sleep. Avoiding screen time before bed is also crucial to minimize sleep disturbances.
- Maintain a Regular Sleep Schedule: Maintaining a regular sleep schedule is essential for regulating your body’s internal clock. Consistent bedtimes and wake times help your body adapt to its natural circadian rhythm, enhancing sleep quality and predictability.
- Address Issues with Staying Asleep: One of the key challenges during alcohol withdrawal is staying asleep. Insomnia can manifest as difficulty in both falling and staying asleep, significantly impacting your recovery process.
- Create a Sleep-Conducive Environment: Ensure your sleeping environment is conducive to rest. This includes keeping your bedroom dark, quiet, and cool, and using comfortable bedding.
- Focus on Treating Insomnia: Treating insomnia during detox is crucial for your overall health. Prolonged lack of sleep can have severe negative effects on both physical and mental health. Adopting healthy sleep habits and consulting with a medical professional can significantly improve sleep quality and support your recovery efforts.
Consider Professional Help for Alcohol Withdrawal
If insomnia persists, it may be beneficial to consult a healthcare provider for treating insomnia. They can offer guidance and potentially prescribe treatments that align with your recovery process. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is a highly effective treatment for insomnia that can be tailored to individuals in recovery from alcohol dependency. Medications may also be considered, but they should be used cautiously and under strict medical supervision due to the risk of dependency and interactions with withdrawal symptoms.
If you or a cherished one are bearing from the effects of substance addiction, Call United Recovery Project, a full-service inpatient drug treatment center in South Florida. To converse to one of our caring representatives today. We recognize your discomfort and want to assist!
Sources
- niaaa.nih.gov – Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder
- pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov – Alcohol Withdrawal Insomnia
- cdc.gov – Alcohol Use and Your Health
- nia.nih.gov – How Sleep Cleanses Your Brain
- aasm.org – Practice Guidelines for Sleep-Related Disorders
