Sleep problems are very common and can have a number of different causes or contributory factors. These could include stress, physical issues, poor habits or sleep hygiene and – in some cases – substance abuse and addiction.
Not getting enough sleep is sometimes known as sleep deprivation, and it can have a severe impact on both physical and mental well-being. There is often a complex relationship at play between addiction and sleep deprivation, and understanding this cycle is crucial for effective treatment and recovery.
Understanding Addiction and Its Impact on Sleep
Many substances that are commonly misused have an impact on our ability to sleep. Substance abuse and insomnia often occur with stimulants like cocaine and amphetamines (as well as legal substances like caffeine), which can actively prevent the user from falling asleep and prolonged use can cause lasting damage to sleep patterns.
Some people may use depressants like alcohol and cannabis to help get to sleep, but these substances can affect the quality of sleep. It has been shown, for example, that alcohol decreases the quality of sleep by around 9% even at lower doses, preventing restful REM sleep.
Addiction leads to more use of the substance in question, which can increase the effects on sleep. Addiction itself can also be very stressful, with other impacts on health, finances, relationships and other aspects of life. All these can also contribute to trouble sleeping.
The Effects of Sleep Deprivation on the Brain and Body
Sleep is a basic human need and one of the main requirements for health. Sleep deprivation can have a major impact on both the brain and the body. Sleep deprivation is linked to many different health conditions, including heart disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke, weakened immune system and obesity.
It can also lead to trouble regulating emotion, which can lead to mood swings, aggression and erratic behaviour. It can affect cognitive abilities (how we think) and is linked to numerous neurological and psychiatric disorders.
The Vicious Cycle: How Addiction and Sleep Deprivation Feed Each Other
The cycle of addiction and sleep problems can be a complex one, with each element affecting the other to different degrees. The use of many drugs can affect sleep in the short term, and chronic use, or addiction, can make the disruption worse.
Sleep deprivation can also fuel substance misuse and addiction. Some people may attempt to ‘self-medicate’ in a misplaced belief that they need to drink alcohol or use other drugs to get to sleep in the first place. A lack of sleep can cause stress, impair judgement, reduce the ability to resist cravings and affect physical and mental health – all of which can lead to increased substance misuse and risk of addiction.
Breaking the Cycle: Strategies for Improving Sleep in Addiction Recovery
Because of this vicious cycle, there is a need to address sleep deprivation in addiction recovery. Otherwise, the lack of healthy sleep and rest could make recovery more difficult and increase the risk of relapse.
Sleep deprivation and insomnia can also occur during detox and withdrawal, which can make the process even more challenging. Improved sleep hygiene can be improved through a number of practical steps, such as establishing a regular sleep schedule and creating a restful space. A residential rehab can be a good place to address these issues as it is a controlled environment.
Any holistic addiction treatment programme will also include various therapies and other treatments. Therapy and counselling can also be valuable in addressing sleep issues and addiction simultaneously. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is widely used to treat addiction, as well as mental health issues, including depression and anxiety. Cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is a type of CBT specially designed to help with insomnia.
Medical Interventions and Support
There might also be scope for medical intervention for sleep issues connected to addiction and substance misuse. These could include prescription medications, which are usually used on a short-term basis to help you get through withdrawal and establish healthier sleeping patterns.
Whether sleep issues are connected to substance misuse or not, it is important to seek professional help for severe sleep disturbances, as they can have a serious impact on physical and mental health. Treatment programmes available through Rehab Clinics Group may incorporate treatment for sleeping problems, while dedicated sleep clinics can also help evaluate and treat existing issues.
Lifestyle Changes to Promote Better Sleep and Recovery
There are things that everyone can do to improve their sleep patterns, and lifestyle changes can be valuable for people in addiction recovery.
Some things to try could include:
- Establish a regular sleeping routine
- Make your sleeping area as comfortable as possible
- Avoid screens before and when you go to bed
- Try relaxation techniques such as meditation or muscle relaxation
- Work on your overall well-being – exercise and adopt a healthy diet
- Keep a sleep diary to try to work out positive and negative factors affecting your sleep
- Getting enough high-quality sleep can also aid in addiction recovery, as can improving overall physical and mental well-being.
Supporting Loved Ones Struggling with Addiction and Sleep Issues
A strong and caring support network can be massively important in helping an individual deal with both addiction and sleep problems – as well as both together. Sometimes, however, professional help is needed to address serious issues and should always be sought for addiction.
Rehab Clinics Group can provide support and advice for family members, and there are also other support groups and resources available, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and Turning Point UK.
Addiction and sleep deprivation can both be highly harmful and can be even worse when combined, fuelling a vicious cycle that is difficult to break. If you or a loved one are affected by these issues, get in touch today to find out how we can help.