Not only can insomnia predate treatment, but often, it may get worse during an alcohol detox program. In some cases, insomnia in alcohol recovery may persist for months or evens years after first getting sober. Insomnia after quitting alcohol may cause you not to get enough sleep. It doesn’t take long for sleep https://ecosoberhouse.com/ deprivation to start affecting daily functioning. But just because you suffer from insomnia doesn’t mean you are stuck for life. Short-term insomnia after quitting drinking lasts anywhere from one to six months, and you are only classified as suffering from chronic insomnia after six months or more.
Alcohol Withdrawal and Stress Cardiomyopathy: What You Need to Know
- The average person’s occasional insomnia is a walk in the park compared to the twitching, spiraling negative thoughts, and intense night sweats alcohol withdrawal can cause.
- However, as your brain chemistry stabilizes, natural sleep cycles return.
- Whether you listen to calming music, read a book, or take a warm bath, establishing a relaxing evening routine will help improve your sleep.
- Speak to a specialist to receive treatment options and a free insurance check and verification.
- Essentially, the medical taper is a method of calming the central nervous system during alcohol withdrawal.
- You’ll also likely miss the important REM sleep stage, contributing to that poor groggy feeling.
Yes, alcohol withdrawal absolutely causes insomnia, and science backs it up. Your body doesn’t just miss the alcohol—it has to relearn how to sleep naturally after relying on alcohol as a sedative for so long. Ever notice that after a night of drinking, you pass out quickly but wake up in the middle of the night, wide awake? Alcohol has a rebound effect that disrupts your sleep cycle, especially in the early morning hours. If you’re struggling to reset your sleep, Say Goodnight to Insomnia and Wake Up Refreshed offers great strategies to speed up recovery and improve sleep naturally.

How to Cope with Sleep Problems in Early Sobriety
- If you quit drinking and can’t sleep without alcohol I feel your pain.
- All our programs can be tailored to your needs with our friendly and knowledgeable treatment staff by your side at all times.
- Sleep deprivation can be as impairing as being drunk, so the benefits of consistently good sleep cannot be overstated.
- This happens because sleep helps to balance the hormones that make you feel hungry or full.
Most people’s sleep patterns gradually improve in the weeks following detox. Some people experience post-acute withdrawal syndrome, or Sobriety PAWS, which can last for several months. Yes, regular moderate exercise enhances sleep quality during recovery. The Sleep Foundation reports that physical activity helps regulate circadian rhythms and promotes deeper sleep, reducing anxiety and stress while boosting emotional well-being. However, avoid exercising within 3-4 hours of bedtime as it can delay sleep onset. Don’t let fear of temporary sleep issues stop you from enjoying the many benefits of an alcohol-free life.

What Sleep Problems Look Like in Early Sobriety
This is a tricky process, insomnia after quitting drinking because everyone’s biochemistry is different. Some of these solutions were serendipitous discoveries that I found through a process of trial and error. Others were gathered from a variety of reputable books and studies on the subject of nutritional repair for alcoholism and insomnia.