Opiate withdrawal can be a challenging experience. There are many potential symptoms and side effects that may occur, and sleep disturbance is one of them. In order for the body to realign and reset from opiate dependence, it is vital to get good, restful sleep. Sleeping properly has several benefits to the withdrawal process, so anything that can be done to improve the quality of sleep will help. If you or a loved one have decided to stop using opiates, you might be wondering what you can do to ease some of the symptoms and side effects. The good news is, there are things that can be done to promote better sleep during this time by learning more about opiate withdrawal management at Liberty Health.
Why Is Sleep So Important During the Withdrawal Process?
To put it simply, sleep is important in general. If you are experiencing any kind of physical or psychological stress, lack of restful sleep will only make that stress more intense. Unfortunately, in the process of opiate withdrawal, problems sleeping are very common, so it is often necessary to take steps to improve sleep quality. Some of the main benefits of getting good sleep are:
- Immune system support – this helps your body fight off any illnesses and heal any wounds that are present
- Repairing normal, everyday wear and tear on muscles and other body structures
- Regulation of hormones that control the body’s response to eating
- Promoting a feeling of rest and rejuvenation on waking
What Happens to Sleep During Opiate Withdrawal?
The processes and functions of sleep are not yet fully understood, even by medical science. We do know, however, that sleep is a vital function of the body and that sleeping poorly or not at all can be detrimental to health and healing. When a person is experiencing opiate withdrawal, some of the symptoms related to sleep that may occur are:
- Problems falling asleep at night
- Difficulty staying asleep
- Poor sleep quality, leading to a feeling of not having rested
What Can Be Done to Promote Better Sleep During Opiate Withdrawal?
There are some tips and tricks to help promote better sleep habits, sleep quality, and sleep duration. An important concept to understand is that sleep quality often has to do with the habits we have around our sleep time. Many people have adopted detrimental sleep habits without realizing it, but it is possible to cultivate better ones. Some tips for improving sleep during opiate withdrawal are:
- Stop caffeine intake at least four hours before you intend to sleep.
- Stop using screen-related items at least one hour before sleeping. Computer, phone, and television screens emit a type of light that can interfere with sleep.
- Make the bedroom a place conducive to sleep. Use blackout curtains if necessary, make sure bedding is clean and comfortable, and eliminate unnecessary light or noise.
- Be active during the day in order to help your body feel properly tired.
- Avoid taking medication or other methods to try and make yourself sleepy. These might work in the short term, but in the long term they will only make the problem worse.
Do I Need More Help? How Can I Find an Opiate Withdrawal Management Program?
If you or a loved one have been struggling with opiate addiction and are ready to seek treatment, an opiate withdrawal management program might be the right choice. If you are near New Hampshire, Liberty Health Services in Derry is a premiere substance abuse treatment center that can help. Our family-oriented programs help our patients and their families heal from the disease of addiction and find their path to recovery. Reach out to our compassionate and caring staff today at 855.959.4521 and let us tell you how we can help.
