Alcoholism and its impact on individuals is an evident addiction concern that has existed for centuries. The American government even once put in-laws which made the act of alcohol consumption and distribution of alcohol illegal, but individuals are only recently becoming concerned with the impact alcohol addiction and withdrawal symptoms have on particular individuals sleep. In this article we will explore why it is that insomnia presents itself in many clients recovering from alcohol addiction, as well as helpful tips to get some much desired and necessary sleep
The brain’s functions are vast, but our sleep behaviors, habits, and activations all stem from a particular area in the brain called the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). This section brain signal to the body’s circadian rhythm, which functions like a humanistic clock, telling our body when to go to sleep, and when to wake. Much like a clock, our brains and bodies operate as intricate, complex and delicate systems, with millions of Americans experiencing insomnia symptoms each year, all without the negative assistance from alcohol abuse. Adding alcohol into the mix only weakens what is already a delicate system. The consumption of alcohol affects neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly dopamine as the brains reward center, and gama-aminobutyric acid (GAMA) which signals the body to relax and sleep. The longer alcohol abuse persists the more acclimated our bodies become to a new normal. It finds a way to adjust, signal, and sleep but when sobriety comes to the fold the brain and body need the same time to acclimate, and return to normal sleep function. This is the period where insomnia from alcohol withdrawal often sets in, with anywhere from 25 to 72 percent of alcohol use disorder individuals during their recovery.
Alcohol effects each individual differently but the below list covers the most common symptoms experienced with alcohol withdrawal as well as an expected timeline experienced by the majority of clients
Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms:
Alcohol Withdrawal Timeline:
The below timeline looks at common symptoms following the time passed since an individual’s last alcohol-containing drink.
Even with the chemical functions of the brain normalizing, and circadian rhythm returning to its normal function, the onset of anxiety experienced in most recovering alcohol clients can cause racing thoughts, elevated heart rate, and restlessness, making falling asleep difficult, continuing insomnia long after the first 72 hours of withdrawal symptoms.
Insomnia and anxiety can be difficult to manage but through focused efforts and persistence, these symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can be managed. Below are some helpful tips for individuals experiencing insomnia beyond the 72 hour alcohol withdrawal window:
We hope this information was helpful in providing an understanding of the relationship between alcohol withdrawal and insomnia. If you or a loved one needs any additional assistance with alcohol addiction treatment services, please reach out to Long Island Center for Recovery at 631-728-3100, and we’d be happy to assist you or your loved ones in any way possible.
References:
SAMHSA: Treating Sleep Problems Of People In Recovery From Substance Use Disorders
https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/sma14-4859.pdf
Cleveland Clinic: Alcohol Withdrawal
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/alcohol-withdrawal
The fact of the matter, and one we all need to get comfortable with, is that alcohol relapses are actually a normal part of recovery, experienced by so many individuals throughout their recovery journey. Although this is most certainly not the goal, and the fact of alcohol relapse should be discussed, as any individuals who […]
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