Content
Many people returning to alcohol use cite sleep problems as a major factor in their decision to drink again. People who have been drinking heavily for years or decades often experience more persistent sleep problems compared to those with shorter periods of alcohol use. GABA levels remain low while glutamate activity surges, creating a state of hyperarousal that makes sleep extremely difficult. This imbalance can persist for weeks or months as the brain slowly readjusts to functioning without alcohol.
Drinking late at night disrupts the body’s ability to enter deep sleep stages, leading to fragmented sleep. Binge drinking, or consuming large amounts of alcohol in a short period, also disrupts sleep patterns. In the early stage of alcohol withdrawal, many individuals experience an increase in sleep latency (the time it takes to fall asleep) and frequent night awakenings. However, in more severe withdrawal cases, individuals might suffer from insomnia, extremely vivid dreams or nightmares, and even sleep-impacted disorders like sleep apnea and restless legs syndrome. Frequent awakenings during the night are reported by 50-60% of individuals with alcohol-induced sleep disorder.
If you are dealing with your addiction issues and in recovery, medication can still be an option, but the pros and cons of administering them should be considered by medical professionals. Short-term insomnia is when you have a brief period that you struggle with your sleeping. This is usually a reaction to things happening in your life – the death of a loved one, major life changes, stopping taking a drug or stress over work.
It’s important to note, however, that these are usually a short-term solution and should be used under a healthcare provider’s guidance. Meditation, in particular, aims to focus the mind and detach it from daily stressors that could hamper sleep quality. Similarly, deep breathing exercises can shift the body’s response from ‘fight or flight’ stress mode to a calm and relaxed state, conducive to restful sleep. Yoga combines both physical movement and mindfulness, making it a powerful tool to improve sleep quality. This altered sleep architecture during alcohol withdrawal is considered a contributor to relapse, as individuals may use alcohol in an attempt to restore sleep normality.
The content of this publication does not represent the views of the University of Pennsylvania, Department of Veterans Affairs, the United States Government, or any other institution. None of the authors report any actual or potential conflict of interest with this current manuscript. We do not receive any commission or fee that is dependent upon which treatment provider a caller chooses. Join our supportive sober community where each day becomes a step towards personal growth and lasting positive change. No specific medication has been found to be effective for the majority of patients with both insomnia and AUD.
Many people use alcohol as a short-term solution for sleep difficulties. This is because alcohol is a depressant, which means it suppresses your nervous system, causing increased drowsiness and slowed brain activity. In the long-term, however, using alcohol to fall asleep stops being effective, and can even worsen sleep issues.
A common side effect of withdrawal, insomnia is often a result of the body trying to adjust back to a normal sleep cycle. In some cases, insomnia in alcohol recovery may persist for months or even years after first getting sober. Alcohol withdrawal insomnia is a very common side effect of early sobriety. Insomnia is a disorder that prevents someone from achieving a restful night’s sleep. This could mean that they aren’t reaching a deep level of sleep, are waking several times through the night, or can’t fall asleep to begin with. Any of these possibilities mean that when the person wakes, they aren’t feeling rested.
Schedule a consultation with one of our healthcare providers to discuss your symptoms and develop a personalized treatment plan. Don’t wait—take the first step toward better sleep and improved health today. Though alcohol can have Oxford House a sedative effect, it has also been linked to sleep disorders like insomnia. If you’re having trouble falling or staying asleep, alcohol consumption could be a contributing factor. Many people with insomnia may have difficulty falling asleep at night.
This biological clock helps your body recognize when it is night, releasing a hormone called melatonin and helping your body feel ready for bed. The circadian rhythm also plays an important role in helping maintain sleep throughout the night. Don’t let fear of withdrawal symptoms, including insomnia, prevent you from seeking the help you need.
When drinking before bed, be mindful of the potential to develop symptoms of insomnia. This can become a habit that can create an unhealthy reliance on alcohol. Alcohol might seem like a handy sleep aid, initially helping you doze off, but it’s a double-edged sword when it comes to quality rest. It disrupts the natural sleep architecture by reducing REM sleep, which is essential for mental rejuvenation, leading to vivid dreams or nightmares later in the night. This disruption can cause what’s known as “rebound wakefulness,” where you wake up in the middle of the night and struggle to return to sleep. I know you might feel like nothing else works, but combining alcohol with sleep aids is playing with fire.
