Why Do Recovering Addicts Sleep So Much? 

Many notice that when someone with an addiction begins their recovery journey, they sleep a lot more than they would usually. Understanding why this is and how to be supportive, or practice self-care, is important for the person in recovery as well as their loved ones. In this blog, we will look at why recovering addicts sleep so much and how it can help them heal.  

If you or a loved one could benefit from 12 Steps to Recovery, contact Myrtle Beach Recovery to learn about our comfortable residential setting.  

How Much Sleep is Normal?  

To understand if someone is sleeping more than they should, you must first know the average sleep cycle. A person with no health issues will need 7-10 hours of sleep every night. A full night’s sleep consists of many cycles lasting about 90 minutes each. They come in four stages: 

• Non-REM 1 (NREM 1): A light sleep stage where brain waves slow down and muscles relax. 

• Non-REM 2 (NREM 2): A deeper sleep stage with even slower brain waves. 

• Non-REM 3 (NREM 3): Deepest sleep stage with very slow brain waves and minimal muscle activity. This is where the body repairs itself and consolidates memories. 

• REM (Rapid Eye Movement): Characterized by rapid eye movements, increased brain activity, and dreaming. REM sleep is essential for learning, memory, and emotional processing. 

The Impact of Substance Abuse on Sleep  

Substance abuse can disrupt sleep patterns in many ways. Different types of substances can both interrupt or induce more sleep, which can have long-lasting effects. Once someone starts their sober journey, it may take some time to relearn healthy sleep patterns, or they may need to catch up from long-term sleep deprivation. Studies show this can take as many as 9 days or more. 

Different drugs and their sleep effects: 

Alcohol: At first, alcohol will make you more drowsy, but as your body metabolizes it, your sleep will be interrupted on and off throughout the night. This can lead to fragmented sleep.  

Marijuana: Again, at first, this drug may make you sleepy, but it will disrupt sleep during the night. People who use marijuana often have reduced REM sleep, which helps with memory and emotional processing.  

Methamphetamines: People who use this substance have a hard time sleeping. Even if they are able to fall asleep, it will be restless, and they may wake up frequently. In the end, it reduces sleep in general.  

Opioids: opioids can make someone drowsy, so they fall asleep easily. But it can suppress deep sleep and REM sleep. Without these, it’s hard to feel rested. Someone using opioids might wake up frequently at night.  

Factors Contributing to Increased Sleep in Recovery  

Many factors contribute to extra sleep during addiction recovery, but they can be mainly boiled down to three things:  

• Withdrawal Symptoms: Fatigue and exhaustion are common withdrawal symptoms. 

• Body’s Need for Repair: The body requires more rest to repair the damage inflicted by addiction. 

• Mental Health: Addressing mental health issues involves periods of intense rest as the body and mind recover. 

The Role of Sleep in Recovery  

Sleep allows us to recover both physically and mentally. When you sleep, your body begins an essential repairing process, and this can help you heal from the physical effects of addiction. During sleep, the brain strengthens connections and flushes out toxins, which is crucial for restoring cognitive function. 

Getting a healthy amount of sleep can also support your emotional well being. Those who get little sleep are more prone to stress and anger.  

Tips for Managing Sleep During Recovery 

If you or your loved one is finding themselves in a cycle of sleeping too much or too little during their sober recovery journey, there are some things they can do to help.  

• Establish a Routine: Going to sleep at the same time every night and using the same routine for getting into bed at night can help signal your body that it is time to sleep.  

• Create a Conducive Environment: You should have a quiet, dark bedroom that is slightly cool. If there are noises you can’t control that may wake you up, try white noise to cancel them out.  

• Exercise: By moving your body during the day you may find you become more tired and relaxed at night. 

• Relaxation techniques: Using techniques to help your body relax may work. Like progressive relaxation. For this tense and relax every muscle in your body starting from your feet to your head.  

• Seek Medical Advice: If you find you are sleeping too much or too little for longer than a couple of weeks, it may be time to consult a doctor who can help with medications.  

Sleep is Important for Recovery 

Understanding the increased sleep needs during recovery is vital for successful healing. Prioritizing sleep helps in the physical and mental recovery process. If sleep issues become problematic, seeking professional help is essential for sustained recovery. Contact Myrtle Beach Recovery today to learn more about our programs and how we can support you on your journey to recovery