Why is Sleep Crucial for Successful Drug Addiction Treatment?
A good night’s sleep is essential for every healthy person as it allows the body to regenerate and rests the mind too. It’s well known that if someone has a sleepless night, the following day they will feel the effects. Sluggishness, irritability, lack of concentration and an overwhelming desire to sleep can disrupt even the healthiest person’s day. This is especially true for those undergoing drug addiction treatment where maintaining mental clarity is vital.
Substance or alcohol addiction is an illness and for that reason, it is perhaps even more important to establish a good sleep pattern during alcohol addiction treatment in order to prevent the kind of mindset that could trigger a relapse. Difficulties sleeping are not uncommon with addicts, particularly if they are using substances that act as stimulants preventing them from doing so. The brain-altering effects of addiction can lead to negatively impacted sleep quality, which can significantly hinder progress in recovery.
On the flip side, it is also not healthy to sleep too much and a desire to sleep all the time can be a sign of depression that’s either been triggered by addiction or caused by it. Over extending good quality rapid eye movement or REM sleep negates the health benefits, particularly if substances are relied on to fall asleep in the first place. For those who use alcohol or drugs, although they may sleep for longer periods, the quality of sleep is poor and they are not likely to feel refreshed the next day at all. This poor quality of sleep can also complicate schizophrenia treatment and other mental health therapies.
How Quality of Sleep Patterns Affect Addiction Recovery
Usually, disturbed sleeping patterns are experienced by addicts before they check-in to drug addiction treatment. In fact, research shows that people with addiction are up to ten times more likely to develop sleeping disorders than someone who is not abusing alcohol or drugs. After periods of prolonged broken sleep cycles, it is not uncommon to have impaired thinking and if there is addiction present, it can perpetuate the problem.
The principal importance of restoring a regular sleep pattern during drug addiction treatment is to avoid the mental state that accompanies lack of sleep. Feelings of apathy, a defeatist attitude or just plain stubbornness resulting from lack of sleep are enough to interfere with an addiction treatment program and can even lead to relapse.
Is Detox Enough to Restore Healthy Sleep Patterns?
Although it seems entirely logical that once the body has been cleaned of chemicals through detox, that sleep patterns would return to normal, this is not the case. This is because the body needs to be “reprogrammed” to find its natural sleep state, particularly after years of abusing substances and alcohol. Recovery programs place as much emphasis on attaining proper sleep patterns as they do on healthy diet and exercise as sleep is considered such a vital component of treatment for drug addiction.
Studies have shown there are significant benefits to regular sleep during recovery, particularly because of the positive mental effects. A positive mental attitude and happy emotions are a great support in rehabilitation and can significantly reduce cravings after detox, preventing relapse into addictive behavior.
Strategies for Healthy Sleep Patterns during Drug Addiction Treatment Programs
For those in drug addiction treatment centers that experience issues with their sleep, there are steps they can take to promote healthier sleep patterns while their bodies and minds continue to heal. These include:
- Creating a schedule of when to go to sleep and when to wake up that covers the weekend too and sticking to it.
- Developing a bedtime ritual including reading, meditation or a long soak in a warm bath.
- Avoiding all stimulants such as caffeine or nicotine before bedtime.
- Sleeping in a completely dark room for better quality sleep.
- No outside noises such as music or alerts from electronic devices during the night.
- Increasing the level of physical exercise during the day while avoiding working out just before bedtime.
- Avoiding heavy meals before it’s time to sleep.
Conclusion
Sleep is a vital component of a healthy body and sound mind and yet, for many addicts, it can become an unattainable ideal. Through developing systems and incorporating practices that assist better sleep patterns, addiction treatment can be more beneficial much sooner than otherwise. It is also possible to learn mechanisms at drug addiction treatment centers that relax the mind and body in order to promote a good sleep state which can be implemented long after treatment has been completed. Sleeping should be a refreshing experience that invigorates and energizes, and addiction treatment goes a long way to restoring what is an integral part of the recovery process.
His House Rehab offers industry leading Drug Addiction Treatment Programs. We were founded in 1994 and we base our Drug and Alcohol Treatment programs on five key principles: commitment, honesty, integrity, respect, and service. These five principles guide us in all that we do and all the care we provide. Contact us today to see how we can help you or your loved one.
