Sleep quality and quantity are incredibly important to living a happier, healthier life, but unfortunately, too many of us miss out on this more than once a week. Addiction recovery comes equipped with many ups and downs, especially as we’re trying to navigate what works for our mental/physical/spiritual health versus what doesn’t. Earlier this year, Tuck, a website that is dedicated to promoting research on better sleeping habits, explained that those who struggle with addiction are 5 to 10 times more likely to have a comorbid sleeping disorder. Naturally, this may lead one to contemplate what exactly contributes to this albeit discomforting experience?
There are several reasons why a person in addiction recovery may be sleep-deprived, with one being that substances like drugs and alcohol can yield significant effects on the brain’s structure and functioning – which, of course, includes sleep. In February of this year, a study conducted by Massachusetts General Hospital found that vivid dreams regarding relapse are more common for those in addiction recovery; Dr. John Kelly, the author of the study, stated, “Given that these dreams can be deeply unnerving, more information could help treatment providers, those in recovery and their families know what to expect moving forward.”
Therefore, it’s not uncommon for a person in recovery to experience disrupted sleep for several months up to a year upon entering treatment – and while this may seem disappointing to know, there are several steps that a person can take to help their mind, body, and spirit get back on track with sleep.
- Set proper wake-up and sleep times, and stick to them as a firm schedule.
- Practice healthy eating habits, including consuming vegetables and drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
- Get plenty of exercise, and try to set a day full of activities so that you can more easily lay down to rest at night.
- Practice proper sleep hygiene, such as making your bed, taking a shower before sleep, keeping your home clean, and more.
It may take time to restore sleep, but it can improve over time. Don’t give up – and remember that while addiction has taken a long time to build upon the habits that your mind and body have developed, it will also take time for your mind and body to catch up and recover.
Avalon Malibu is a world-renowned, California state-licensed mental health and substance abuse recovery center. If you are ready to seek treatment to develop the tools you need to overcome life’s obstacles and be on the road towards happiness, health, and well-being, call us today at 844-857-5992 for a consultation. It’s never too late, and there are people here ready to help you – it’s never too late to begin taking steps towards a happier, healthier life.
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