For anyone who has or is succumbing to the restraints of an egregious addiction, they are likely to experience changes in their sleeping schedules and patterns. People who have addictions tend to get less sleep vs. those who aren’t. Even if someone with an addiction is not actively using a substance, they may have trouble falling and staying asleep. Despite some glaring differences, sleep and addiction have more confluence than people realize. While it can be arduous for people with addiction to sleep, it’s not something you should ever forsake. For someone to regain their vitality and sense of self, they need to prioritize sleep during recovery. Resting during the recovery process can help patients make up for the sleep they lost while struggling with their addiction.
Who better to know this than our team of medical professionals with North Jersey Recovery Center? Let’s deep dive into the importance that is good night sleep.
The Importance Of A Good Night’s Sleep
You don’t need to be a member of the uninitiated to know and understand the importance of a good night’s sleep. Sleeping allows our bodies and minds to recharge. During sleep, our systems are processing what happened during the previous day and are getting ready for the next one. Sleep is also vital for us to display cognitive and behavioral functions throughout the day. Most adults need upwards of 7-9 hours of sleep per night, but it’s normal if you don’t get that much every night, but it could be an issue if you never get 7 hours of sleep. People with sleep deprivation have a higher risk of developing physical and mental health conditions which include diabetes and anxiety. You can read more about short and long term consequences of sleep disruption here.
Dangers Of Not Getting Enough Sleep
Since the time you were a young child, you have probably heard countless times from adults on the importance of a good night’s rest. All of this aside for a second, how aware are you of the true importance of consistent sleep? As it turns out, sleep deprivation can cause a smattering of health consequences. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute states that “the way you feel while you are awake depends in part on what happens while you are sleeping. Your physical and mental health can suffer tremendously due to continued sleep deprivation.
Common issues stemming from sleep deprivation include:
- Trouble concentrating
- Mood swings
- Higher levels of stress
- An inability to control emotions
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Suicidal ideation
- Impulsivity
- An increased risk of obesity
- High blood sugar
- Increased appetite
- Lowered immune system
- Risk of developing chronic illnesses
How Does Sleep Affect Addiction Recovery
Recovery is a marathon, not a sprint. Not only are you committing to your sobriety, you are also committing to the lifelong goal of sustaining it, by any means necessary. Even after an extended period in recovery, you will still be healing some of the physical and mental scars that addiction has left behind. Sleep is essential for the healing process, as the body heals best when sleeping. Some research studies have even stated that sleep disturbances among those currently in addiction recovery can place these people at a higher risk of relapse. Why? Because, the mental health effects due to sleep deficiencies as well as lower energy levels are big elements that can dissuade a person from actively participating in recovery. Having consistency in your sleep during recovery can ensure that you are grounded in your goals and on top of your overall health.
How Does One Begin To Sleep Better?
If you are one of the ones struggling with sleep during recovery, you may feel uncertain on where to begin when you want to improve your overall sleep quality. Consider the following to make it easier to get some shut-eye.
Have Set Times For Sleeping & Waking Up
If you do not have a stringent schedule for waking up and going to bed, you run the risk of forsaking your amount of nightly slumber. Not setting a schedule does more harm than good because you might stay up too late and end up with only a few hours of sleep, leaving your body to play catch up due to the inefficiency. To avoid this, set times for every day of the week and stick to them.
Destress Before Bed
By instilling calming practices before bed, it can help in putting you in the right mindset/mood for sleep. Consider turning off your phone an hour before bed, taking a warm bath, meditating, doing breathing exercises, or sitting down with your favorite book. When getting into a routine with these forms of catharsis, it will signal the brain that it’s time to unwind and go down for the night.
Avoid Exercising Close To Bedtime
Maybe you missed your morning workout. As a result, you might feel more inclined to get in a quick workout before bed. However, exercising before bed can augment your energy levels, making it harder to rest. Stick to working out earlier in the day to help you feel more tired in the evenings.
Make Bedtime A Calming Space
The environment in which we sleep will play a significant role in sleep quality. Make a concerted effort in mitigating the presence of excess light and sound. Blackout curtains and earplugs can help drown out these environmental disruptors. Additionally, make it so that your bed only remains a utilitarian vehicle for sleeping. This will signal to the body that when you lay in bed, you are doing so to get much-needed rest. Avoid using it to relax, watch TV, or work (especially in this day and age). The difference in how you sleep can be dramatic if you implement these simple measures into your daily life.
Sleep During Recovery: Rejuvenating The Mind, Body, And Spirit With Our Addiction Treatment Specialists In New Jersey
The quality of sleep you are afforded can have a dramatic toll, either positively or negatively, on your overall recovery and health. Maintaining your sobriety is a joint effort between our team of addiction treatment specialists in New Jersey, and you, as the patient. North Jersey Recovery Center is here to help if you are still struggling or need further advice concerning sleep during recovery. Don’t let something as simple as sleep hinder your progression. Contact us today to learn more about treatment!
