Sleep and Addiction Recovery

Anyone who’s gone through addiction, or cared for a loved one with addiction, knows firsthand the devastating effects it has on a person’s life. Addiction disrupts all areas of life, and sleep is no exception.

According to one estimate, individuals with addiction are 5 to 10 times more likely to have associated sleep disorders.

Sleep and addiction are intricately linked. Many people use alcohol or other drugs to help them fall asleep and treat their insomnia, and accidentally become addicted as a result. Even if one didn’t have sleep problems before their addiction, long-term substance abuse physically changes your brain’s sleep architecture, disrupting your sleep patterns and sleep quality. 

The better you sleep, the lower your risk of relapse. Master your sleep, and it’s much easier to stick to your recovery plan.

If you or a loved one are dealing with addiction and seeking help, please visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration online provider directory or call 800-662-4357 (available toll-free 24/7).