Sleep is an essential part of human biology. It helps you revitalize your body and mind over several hours of inactivity. However, sleep issues can be prevalent in those who are recovering from alcohol addiction.
Alcohol’s Effect On An Alcoholic’s Sleep Patterns
Alcohol’s effect on sleep patterns are evident in those who are taking in large amounts of it. The disruptions in the brain’s ability to manage sleep can come from a number of sources. There are a number of reasons why an individual’s sleep quality is negatively affected. These disruptions last several months even after rehab and can be a cause for concern.
Circadian Rhythm Disruption
The circadian rhythm is the internal clock of an individual. It is what dictates when you sleep and how long you sleep for. The circadian rhythm is an essential part of making sure that you have a regular sleep schedule. However, alcohol and other substances disrupt the rhythm by forcing your body to produce chemicals that make you fall asleep quickly. However, these chemicals are shorter lived when compared to the natural release in a non-alcoholic.
REM Sleep Disruption
Another essential part of getting proper evening rest is Rapid Eye Movement or REM sleep for short. REM sleep is the period in sleep that your body gets the best rest. However, alcohol has been shown to consistently disrupt REM sleep and cause an individual to experience a delay in their ability to experience it.
Frequent Trips to The Toilet
Your body over time has grown accustomed to making sure that you don’t need to go to the bathroom during the evening. However, alcoholics will have difficulty managing their bladders under the influence. This is due to the fact that alcohol is a diuretic. Diuretics like alcohol dehydrate your body by forcing liquid out of your body through urine.
Breathing Disruptions and Sleep Apnea
Another cause for concern is that alcohol has an effect on a person’s breathing during sleep. This can cause excessive snoring and even sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a potentially dangerous condition where an individual’s breathing is stopped and started during sleep. It can cause an individual to suddenly wake in the middle of the night due to the lack of oxygen. The worst case scenario is that sleep apnea can cause a life threatening heart attack or collapsed airway.
The Most Effective Solution To Insomnia Caused By Alcoholism
Alcoholism is a difficult condition to overcome especially because of how it impairs judgement and affects your sleep patterns. The first step to proper recovery is always going to be rehabilitation.
Soberman’s Estate has created the ideal combination of medical, clinical, and holistic modalities, including board certified psychiatrists, medical doctors, psychologists, counselors, on-site labyrinth walks, equine therapy, fitness training, yoga, acupuncture, nutrition counseling and Chef prepared meals. Treatment at Soberman’s Estate is discrete and private with 5 beds on 5 acres of pristine Sonoran desert where recovery is adjusted to the needs of the patient.
If you or someone you know is considering treatment for addiction, call us at 480-595-2222 for a professional consultation.
