Insomnia is one of the most persistent and distressing symptoms that people face during opioid withdrawal, often making an already challenging process even harder.
This article explores practical and evidence-based ways to overcome insomnia during opioid withdrawal, helping individuals build a stronger foundation for lasting recovery.
Causes of Insomnia During Opioid Withdrawal
One of the symptoms of opioid withdrawal leading to insomnia is a disruption in your brain’s sleep-wake cycle, primarily due to the orexin neurotransmitter system, which often leads to an inability to sleep and agitation. As you experience opioid withdrawal symptoms, like physical discomfort and anxiety, your ability to achieve natural sleep or to stay asleep diminishes even further. Other symptoms of withdrawal from opioid addiction include physical pain and anxiety.
Withdrawals alter neurotransmitter levels, which can compound your sleeplessness. Over time, this results in a cycle where emotional distress appears, resulting in times when you can’t sleep, making treatment for withdrawal tougher.
At Blueview Recovery in Pennsylvania, we can assist in treating your insomnia due to withdrawal from opioid addiction as well as help with the other challenges you’re facing.
Medical Treatments
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) can be a powerful ally in the fight against insomnia due to the opioid withdrawal process. Your healthcare provider may prescribe medication like methadone or buprenorphine to help manage or prevent opioid withdrawal symptoms that occur during treatment for opioid withdrawal insomnia.
You might also consider sleep medications like Zolpidem or Suvorexant, an FDA-approved insomnia medication that targets your brain’s orexin system. Studies show it can improve sleep, reduce withdrawal symptoms, and curb cravings without the risk of feeling “high”.
While some may explore off-label options like antidepressants or antihistamines, be cautious, as evidence for their effectiveness in opioid use disorder is limited, and side effects could complicate your recovery.
Always consult with your healthcare provider or an addiction treatment professional before considering any form of medical treatment.
Behavioral and Lifestyle Strategies
Establishing a consistent sleep schedule is one of the most effective ways to combat wakefulness during opioid withdrawal. Cognitive behavioral therapy and lifestyle strategies can help you reset your body’s natural circadian rhythm of sleep cycles and improve sleep quality.
Go to bed and wake up at the same times daily, even on weekends. Create a restful sleep environment by keeping your bedroom quiet, dark, and cool. Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation to ease tension and calm your mind before bed. Even something as simple as avoiding caffeine might be helpful in avoiding fluctuations in your REM sleep patterns.
Professional Support and Long-Term Strategies
Seek medical supervision for safe detox and counseling to address the underlying causes of addiction.
Support groups provide invaluable encouragement and accountability. If you have co-occurring disorders like depression or anxiety, work with your healthcare provider to determine a treatment program to monitor and treat the psychological factors, as they can add to your difficulty falling asleep and increase relapse risk as you work to withdraw from drug use.
Overcoming insomnia during opioid withdrawal isn’t easy, but it’s definitely achievable. By optimizing your sleep environment and incorporating relaxation techniques, you can improve your chances of restful sleep. Don’t hesitate to reach out to healthcare providers for guidance on medication options and the recovery process. Remember, building a support system and learning coping mechanisms for anxiety will be essential in your journey toward recovery and achieving a better, healthier, more restful sleep pattern.
Final Thoughts from Blueview Recovery
If you’re dealing with opioid withdrawal and persistent insomnia, you should be opting for professional help. At Blueview Recovery, we’ll guide you through all recovery steps in a safe, supported detox process and provide personalized treatment for both substance use and mental health challenges, including insomnia caused by opioid withdrawal.
