The Connection Between Sleep Disorders and Substance Abuse

According to a 2020 study, around 14.5% of American adults had trouble falling asleep most days or every day in the past 30 days. Getting quality sleep is critical to lead a healthy life. Unfortunately, many people struggling with addiction also struggle with sleep disorders. In this article, we’ll explore more of the connection between sleep disorders and substance abuse.

Grace Recovery is a top-rated drug and alcohol rehab in Los Angeles that is committed to helping as many patients as possible overcome addiction and lead a life of sobriety. We’re here to help you every step of the way on your road to recovery. That’s why we provide a comprehensive range of addiction treatment in Los Angeles so you can receive the personalized care you need to best support your recovery journey.

Ready to break free of addiction once and for all? Contact us today!

Sleep Disturbances and Addiction: What’s the Connection

Many individuals struggle with sleep problems after drug addiction, especially insomnia. Sleep disturbances can not only result in even worse physical and mental health, but a lack of quality sleep can make it difficult to overcome addiction and maintain long-lasting sobriety.

When your body consumes drugs, these drugs impact your brain chemistry, which explains why many individuals who struggle with addiction often struggle with sleep disorders as well. The type of drug you consume will inevitably affect how your brain and body are impacted.

The connection between sleep disorders and substance abuse is complex because of individual differences and the type of substance one consumes. However, below is a list of common sleep disorders those facing addiction may struggle with:

• Insomnia
• Sleep apnea
• Restless leg syndrome

It’s also important to note that sleep problems after drug addiction don’t just disappear in recovery. In other words, many individuals in recovery still struggle with sleep problems after overcoming addiction. This is why it’s critical you seek professional support during recovery if you suspect you are struggling with a sleep disorder.

Unsure if you are struggling with a sleep disorder? Below are some common signs of sleep disorder symptoms to look out for:

• Trouble falling asleep
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Irregular sleep patterns
• Decline in work or school performance due to fatigue
• Mood swings or irritability due to fatigue

From struggling with sleep problems due to alcohol to dealing with insomnia from opiate withdrawal, there are a wide variety of reasons why those in recovery struggle with sleep before, during, and after addiction recovery.

Why People Abuse Drugs and Alcohol to Help Them Fall Asleep

While substance abuse can lead to sleep disturbances, it’s also important to discuss how many people abuse drugs and alcohol to help them fall asleep. This is especially true with alcohol. Many people who struggle with falling asleep may resort to using substances like alcohol to help them relax and fall asleep. While it may seem like alcohol can help you fall asleep, alcoholism and insomnia are closely related. 

Not to mention, using addictive substances to help you fall asleep night after night can only fuel your addiction. Therefore, if you suspect you may be struggling with a sleep disorder, it’s critical you seek support from a medical professional to help better manage your sleep disorder symptoms. A sleep specialist will help properly diagnose your sleep disorder so you can then receive the right treatment to best address your sleep problem.

Sleep disorders and substance abuse can significantly impact your health and quality of life for the worse. Not only will a lack of quality of sleep make you likely more vulnerable to keep abusing drugs, but lack of sleep can also harm your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Plus, sleep is essential for helping your body heal while in recovery; therefore, it’s critical you prioritize getting help to improve your sleep.

Help Is Available 

Getting quality sleep is not only essential to overcome addiction, but also to maintain long-lasting sobriety. Whether you are struggling with addiction, in recovery, or have been sober for years, trying to get quality sleep each night is important to support not just your recovery journey, but also your physical and mental well-being. At Grace Recovery, our team of caring addiction specialists is here to help you achieve long-lasting sobriety. We provide multiple levels of care to help you every step of the way along your recovery journey. You should never feel too afraid or ashamed to ask for help when it comes to leading a healthier, happier life. Contact our Los Angeles inpatient drug rehab center today to learn more about how you can achieve long-lasting sobriety.