Each of us has hear the phrase “I need my beauty sleep,” but there is much more truth to this statement than you would believe. When you enter a healthy sleep cycle at night, your body has a chance to repair severe damages to delicate tissues and can restore mental processes. Simply put, proper sleep does (in essence) keep you young and beautiful. However, once you add drugs like alcohol into the mix, that pattern can take a downward spiral quickly and dangerously. (As a central nervous system depressant, alcohol can play many nasty tricks on your neurotransmitters.) Still, if you have recently recovered from an alcohol use disorder or know someone undergoing treatment, you are probably aware of how severely alcohol impacts sleep patterns long after people reach sobriety. In fact, sleep problems are one of the most severe side effects of alcohol withdrawal.
Problems with Sleep during Recovery
According to various studies, recovering alcoholics may experience the following sleep problems:
- Poor sleep cycles can last for months after abstinence
- Recovering alcoholics have more difficult time falling asleep than staying asleep
- A large number of patients already had sleep problems before they became alcoholics.
Poor Sleep Patterns
According to Dr. Shawn R. Currie (University of Calgary), if a person consumes three or more standard drinks, he or she will fall asleep rapidly, but falling asleep quickly does not determine a peaceful sleep afterward. Additional effects of alcohol abuse include constant awakenings, poor quality of sleep, and early wake-up times. Although these problems trail active alcohol users, these people will continue to suffer from severe side effects during recovery, as well, he explains.
Long-Term Lack of Sleep
According to reports, alcoholics enrolled in recovery programs have a hard time falling asleep, have irregular sleep patterns, and do not feel as if their sleep was fully restorative. David Hodgins (professor of psychiatry at the University of Calgary) explains how sleep is commonly one of the last good habits to be regained by alcoholics. In the 12-step program (like the one adopted by Alcoholics Anonymous), addicts describe risks for relapse with an anagram called HALT: Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired. Obviously, one of the ways an alcoholic will become tired is when they do not get enough healthy sleep. The good news is that many of these patients will regain their sleep patterns once they have fully become sober.
Seeking Treatment for Alcohol Abuse or Alcoholism
Alcohol abuse and alcoholism are dangerous mental illnesses that can potentially destroy your social life and your actual life. Are you suffering from a form of alcohol use disorder? Do you have a family member or a close friend who is coping with this severe mental illness, as well? In both cases, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our professional team of counselors and healthcare experts are ready to walk you through every step of the rehabilitation process and guide you towards living a happier, healthier, and freer lifestyle. The time to take back control of your life is now.
If you are interested in one of our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how to overcome your alcohol abuse or addiction troubles today.
