Many people get opioid withdrawal insomnia. It is one of the most common complaints from people undergoing this process. Self-care steps and medications can help a lot with managing these symptoms.
This guide highlights the signs and symptoms of opioid withdrawal and insomnia. It also provides information on how to connect with effective treatment options.
If you or a loved one need treatment for opioid addiction, call our friendly recovery specialists today at 877-679-2132.
What Is Opioid Withdrawal Insomnia?
Along with the physical symptoms of opioid withdrawal, many people also experience insomnia from opioid withdrawal. This is called opioid-induced insomnia. People going through withdrawal often have trouble sleeping, feel drowsy during the day, and wake up frequently during the night.
Insomnia happens during withdrawal from opioids because the body is trying to get back to a normal sleep pattern. Opioid use can disrupt the sleep cycle, reducing REM sleep and changing other sleep stages. Also, many people using opioids do not follow healthy sleep habits, making it harder to adjust to a routine.
Because of this, it can take a long time to figure out how to sleep well during withdrawal and ongoing recovery. Some people may have sleep problems for months.
Signs of Opioid Withdrawal Insomnia
Opioid withdrawal can cause many sleep problems. Here are some signs to look for:
- Difficulty falling asleep: One of the first signs is trouble falling asleep at night. You might find yourself tossing and turning for hours.
- Frequent waking: You may wake up several times during the night, making it hard to get a full night’s sleep.
- Restlessness: Feeling restless and unable to stay still can keep you awake. This includes tossing and turning in bed and feeling uncomfortable.
- Waking up early: Another sign is waking up very early in the morning and being unable to fall back asleep.
- Trouble staying asleep: You might find it challenging to stay asleep for long periods, leading to fragmented sleep.
Symptoms of Opioid Withdrawal Insomnia
Here are some symptoms that often come with opioid withdrawal insomnia:
- Daytime drowsiness: When you don’t sleep well at night, you can feel tired during the day. This can make it hard to stay awake and alert.
- Irritability: Lack of sleep can make you feel easily annoyed or upset. Small things that didn’t bother you before might seem overwhelming.
- Difficulty concentrating: You may struggle to focus on tasks or think clearly when you’re not getting enough sleep. This might affect your schoolwork, job, or daily activities.
- Low energy: You might feel exhausted and have low energy levels, making it difficult to complete everyday tasks or engage in physical activities.
- Mood swings: Experiencing sudden changes in mood, such as feeling happy one moment and sad the next, can result from poor sleep.
- Anxiety and depression: Insomnia can increase feelings of anxiety and depression, making withdrawal even more challenging.
Opioid Withdrawal Insomnia Treatment
Dealing with insomnia during opioid withdrawal can be tough, but there are effective treatments to help you through it. Here’s what you can do:
Medications
MAT (medication-assisted treatment) is the first line of treatment for opioid withdrawal and opioid use disorder (opioid addiction). Using medications during the acute withdrawal period helps reduce and manage all the symptoms of withdrawal, including insomnia. These medications can stabilize brain chemistry, block the euphoric effects of opioids, and relieve cravings. This makes it easier to sleep and supports your overall recovery process.
Sleep hygiene
Sleep is vital for many reasons, supporting your immune system, learning, and memory. Insomnia can be very taxing on both your body and mind. For someone recovering from long-term drug use, insomnia can make the process even harder. Good sleep is essential for healing and making progress in your recovery.
Many people struggling with addiction have irregular sleep schedules, like staying up late and sleeping during the day. This can disrupt your circadian rhythm, which regulates sleep. When recovering, it’s important to reset your internal clock. Try to wake up and go to bed at the same time every day, even on weekends. This helps your body get used to a new, healthier routine.
Even with a regular sleep schedule, your body might need help adjusting. Develop a relaxing pre-sleep routine. Activities like taking a warm bath, reading a book, listening to calming music, drinking decaffeinated tea, or meditating can signal your body that it’s time for bed. This can make falling asleep easier.
Avoid caffeine and other stimulants
Caffeine is a stimulant that can disrupt your sleep schedule. Avoid coffee, soda, energy drinks, and tea, especially in the afternoon and evening. Reducing caffeine intake can help your body adjust to a new sleep pattern more effectively.
Don’t take naps
Feeling tired during the day and wanting to nap is common during withdrawal. However, napping can interfere with your circadian rhythm and make it more difficult to sleep at night. Instead of napping, stay active by walking or engaging in light activities. This will help you get a better night’s rest.
Practice healthy habits
Adopting a healthy lifestyle can improve your sleep quality. Regular exercise and a balanced diet are key. Exercise can reduce stress and boost your mood, making sleep easier. Eating a healthy diet helps maintain stable energy levels and avoids the crashes that junk food can cause.
See a doctor
If you’re still struggling with insomnia despite trying these tips, it might be time to see a doctor. You could have a sleep disorder or another underlying issue that needs professional attention. A specialist can provide further guidance and treatment options to help you manage your sleep problems.
Get Treatment for Opioid Addiction at Ohio Recovery Centers
We can help diagnose and treat opioid addictions at Ohio Recovery Centers. We deliver outpatient treatment so you can get effective addiction treatment while keeping up at home, work, and school. If you need more support, we also offer more intensive programs.
Our Cincinnati rehab provides treatment customized to meet individual needs. Access medications, talk therapy, family therapy, and counseling to help you stop using opioids long-term.
Call out recovery experts to begin your recovery from opioid addiction at 877-679-2132.
