This week’s edition of Stop Drinking Alcohol is all about sleep, or the lack of it when quitting drinking.
Q & A
I can relate to getting up early in the morning for work. I was up at 5am for most of my working life. As far as the self-medication goes, I think we can all relate to that – to one extent or another. When I quit drinking, I probably went for over a month with difficulty either falling asleep or staying asleep.
Having said that, I never got a good night’s sleep before I quit drinking. I could ‘fall asleep’ quickly enough, sometimes it felt like before my head hit the pillow, but I’d always wake up after a couple of hours.
Depending on how much I’d had to drink, I would either be wide awake and tossing and turning, or wide awake with my heart pounding in my ears, my head aching, my throat feeling like a desert, and I’d be tossing and turning and unable to get back asleep.
I much prefer where I am now.
I still have a restless night now and then. The reasons are nothing to do with alcohol though. Maybe I’ve drank too much coffee during the day. Perhaps I’m a little anxious about something, slightly stressed because a plan didn’t come to fruition, or a hundred other normal things that have kept us humans awake since year dot.
But I don’t have those lovely hangovers to look forward to, nor do I wake up in the middle of the night fearing that I’m gonna have a heart attack or a stroke or some other god awful self-caused death.
You have to put up with the sleepless nights for a while… that’s just it!
How long will the sleeplessness last? Who knows! Everyone’s different. It’s going to depend on many factors, all of them individual to you.
You just have to accept it and do what you can put yourself in the mood for sleep. Your body is not used to falling asleep on its own, without being boinked to sleep by booze.
Give it time!
The human body has remarkable powers to heal itself, both mentally and physically. If it takes you a month or even two to get through the night, isn’t it worth it to know that you’ll now be free!
5 Tips on How to Go To Sleep When You Stop Drinking
First of all, you must accept your sleeplessness. It’s probably going to happen. If it doesn’t, then good for you.
If you try to fight it, you’ll more than likely make it worse….
Tip #1: Prepare yourself for sleep.
I’ve always had difficulty sleeping with any sound in the room so I use earplugs whenever I go to bed. I also find that a dark room helps me sleep much better. We have blinds in our home so the room is always pitch-black. I thought it would be difficult to know when to get up in the morning because the blinds block out all the morning light as well as the streetlamps below our balcony, but my biological clock still wakes me up at 6am almost every morning.
Try using a sleep mask if you can’t achieve complete darkness from curtains or blinds, they’re cheap enough on Amazon or eBay. I used one on my holidays a couple of years ago. Once I got used to the feeling of something on my face, I slept like a baby.
A comfortable temperature is also very helpful when getting yourself in the proper state for sleep. Open a window if it’s too stuffy, or throw an extra blanket if it’s too chilly. Just experiment to see what works best for you. Take a soothing bath before you go to bed and use a couple of drops of lavender oil both in the bathwater and on your pillow.
Tip #2: Take relaxing breaths.
This is one of the things I learned to do when I started Kundalini Yoga classes. Lie in a comfortable position and just breathe long, deep, and slow breathes. Listen to your breathing and calm yourself as much as you can. This is always the first thing I try once I get into bed and find I can’t drop off. Normally I am asleep very quickly.
Tip #3: Clench and Relax.
The clench and relax technique is a shortened version of a method of relaxation used in psychotherapy. The idea is to clench and relax all your individual muscles until you no more tension.
Lie down and use the breathing technique to begin the relaxation process. Then, stretch your toes forwards and hold the stretch for 4 to 5 seconds and relax. Now stretch them backwards and hold 4 to 5 seconds. Move up to your ankle, stretching each joint first forwards, holding 4 to 5 seconds and repeat stretching backwards. Gradually move up through your body stretching and clenching each muscle for 4 or 5 seconds before releasing.
This is always the second technique I use. It’s a bad night when I get past my lower body.
Tip #4: Stop telling yourself you’re going to be awake all night.
The brain listens to what you tell it and tries as much as it can to comply with your commands. If you tell yourself that you’re going to be awake all night, you mind will oblige for as long as it can, until you fall asleep through exhaustion at least. Simply repeating to yourself “fall asleep, fall asleep, fall asleep” over and over will at least bore you to sleep.
Also, your brain can’t understand negatives. So, telling yourself “Don’t stay awake” over and over is interpreted by your brain as the command to “stay awake”. Why? Because your brain must first of all think about what it is you are telling it not to think about in order to make sure that it’s not thinking about it.
For example, if I say to you “Don’t think about standing in a pool of paint”, your brain just can’t help thinking about it. The process will go something like this… “What am I not supposed to be thinking of… [pictures standing in a pool of paint]… ah right, I won’t think about that then”. Your mind will then frequently return to thinking about what it’s not supposed to be thinking about just to make sure it’s not thinking about it. Make sense?
If you feel like saying a negative, say “Don’t fall asleep, don’t fall asleep” over and over. Your brain will only hear ‘fall asleep’. I know it sounds daft but, daft or not, it’s true and it works.
Tip #5: Establish a routine you do only at bedtime.
What you’re aiming for here is a bedtime ritual that you repeat every night until it becomes part of your routine. Your mind will associate this with sleep and you’ll be off to nod at the closing of an eye (or both eyes!).
My ritual is science fiction reading. I’ve done this since I was a young boy, so it’s well ingrained into my mind. This almost always puts me into the relaxed state my body needs for sleep.
I even used to ‘read’ when I was drinking. That was more comedy than sci-fi though. I either couldn’t focus on the words or they would seem to swim all over the page.
If you don’t read, try listening to one of your favourite artists. Or you could try listening to white noise, you know – that background hiss you get from a radio that’s not tuned into any station. Just download it from iTunes, or record some of your own.
The idea is to stop your brain from keeping you awake with all the chatter. Soothe it into a peaceful slumber. Goodnight!
Try Not To Focus On Negatives
Remember not to focus too much on the negative aspects of quitting. You will experience some difficulty in quitting, that’s for sure, but the difficulty of those few weeks after you quit is nothing in comparison to the bright horizon that you’re moving into. For most people, alcohol is the one thing that’s holding them back from actualizing the person they should be.
Bon Voyage!
Newsletter
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So, that’s Stop Drinking Alcohol Week 33.
Thanks for visiting the site.
Until next time…
Onwards and Upwards!
Kev
Previous Tallies
Stop Drinking Alcohol Week 30
Stop Drinking Alcohol Week 31
Stop Drinking Alcohol Week 32
I have used all you mentioned & it does work. I have a relaxation CD I use when my mind won’t shout down, normally from stress. Five minutes in I’m relaxed & shut it off. One other thing I’ve found is to take some melatonin 15 minutes before bed. It helps your body to regulate your sleep/wake patterns. Not for the long term, just the first month. Very important is sleeping in complete darkness as any light will stop melatonin production in your body. I have an alarm clock with no light unless you push a button to see it. No more glancing at the time to stress you out! Joyce x
Thanks for the suggestions, Joyce!
Hi Joyce,
Can you share what you use for a relaxation CD? My mind just WONT shut down.
Thank you!
I quit for 7 months. I could not sleep. I would get 2 maybe 3 hours of broken sleep a night for 7 months. It was unbearable. I would be tired all day but force myself not to nap so I would hopefully be tired enough to sleep at night. Never worked. It was hell. When I drink before bed I sleep like a baby and wake up feeling great and refreshed. But I know it’s killing me so I want to stop.
Yep this same thing happens with me bud. It’s bloody annoying I can tell ya. I shud never have started drinking ever to be honest :/
All the best anyway bud 🙂
I’m the same, I have more energy for work, gym and my dog when I have a few snifters the night before and a good night sleep. Trying to sleep listening to documentaries at he moment ? Fingers crossed
So it maybe cheating but try a low grade benzodiazepine like tranzene
Exactly!!! That is me. I just want to be able to sleep! It’s ridiculous when you feel better after drinking at bedtime than when you don’t.
Thank you so much for sharing this information. Great tips! Your blog will help me a lot.
Thanks for the info. I quit recently and the sleepless nights were getting me down, your post was very encouraging.
Please send me your newsletter.
Sir i have a habit of drinking habit last ten year I am forty plus I want to leave alcohol I have two small baby but I could sleep in night properly sir advice me how to sleep on night pleas thanks
Hi, sometimes there is no guarantee that you’re going to sleep, not in the beginning of your quit at least. Unfortunately, it takes time for you body to become accustomed to no more alcohol. It will recover. Your body needs rest and once it’s not getting the false sleep through alcohol, you’ll start falling asleep and staying asleep naturally. You never get a good nights sleep with alcohol anyway because alcohol prevents you from going into the rapid eye movement stage. This is one of the most important for your health. Take comfort in the fact that although you’ll suffer a little in the short term, in the long term you will be far better off.
Take care
Kev
It’s after 3am and I cannot sleep. I’m 62 and have been drinking since my teen years except for when I did a 8.5 year prison bit. I drank last night but less than normal. I fell asleep for about an hour. I went for a 2 mile walk and took a pill that is supposed to help but I just can’t get comfortable enough to go to sleep. Thanks for your insight. I quit once before when my Dad died. Just quit cold turkey and did not have all these problems. Unfortunately, I relapsed. Your words are encouraging. Lucky there’s no more booze in the house and the bars are closed. I’ll be dropping in again for some encouragement.
Even drinking once or twice a week can wreak havoc on your sleep schedule. People who quit drinking often notice that their weekends are more productive and restful because their sleep is restorative. That may seem counterintuitive—especially for people who struggle to fall asleep at night. Even though alcohol makes you sleepy, it’s not a useful sleep aid.
Good luck to you all.Relapse is regrettably common.Beating yourself up over it still won’t make you sleepy.Hang in there,keep trying and believe SLEEP WILL HAPPEN.
I have tried over the last 10 years to cut down or give up as alcohol is affecting my moods. I am an emotional and sensitive person and it just makes me over react to situations and I loose perspective. It affects my confidence when I drink as it is something I know I shouldn’t do
Thank you so much for the blog. I have been drinking for 14 years and this past year I’ve been trying to quit because its effecting a lot of my relationships. The biggest issue I have noticed is trying to fall asleep on days I don’t drink. I will continue to follow up on your blog and work on my own battles with alcoholism. Thank you so much once again. Hopefully your blog will help me change my life.
Damn man. 14 years sounds way rough. I’m on my second day of not drinking over the past year. The sleep sucks–which is why I’m here. Gl to you.
I want 2 quit alcohol so sir plz help me I can’t sleep without alcohol I am 34 year old
I’m on my second day and feel like shit and can’t sleep and trowing up…. only 27 and being drinking heavy since 15 …. wish I would never started … kinda curious to know how you doing so far
Have you drank heavily every day, Tom?
I had my first seizure at that age.,if you drnk that heavy you need a contegoncy plan- like what relatives the police can call,,and probably a good idea to see a doc and get prescribed chlorazepoxide to help you taper down and quit
It’s 5am I still can’t sleep. I stopped drinking after drinking 10 years.. it’s been 21 days today….. Don’t know what to to its spoiling my day & night both… I have not other issues apart from sleep…. Though it’s great feeling and amazing without drinking
Hello thank you for your suggestions I’m going to try them I really want to stop drinking. I need to sleep I hate feeling like I can’t stop because I want to fall asleep.
Good for you Ann 🙂
I can only suggest counseling. The reasons you can’t sleep are the reasons you started drinking in the first place, although they may not have involved sleep at that time. People drink to block thoughts and feelings out and unless you learn how to express them and deal with them they will invade your mind, consciously or subconsciously, and forever be there to interfere with your growth, peace and success in life. Addiction is a symptom of a greater problem and until that problem is dealt with you will always be shortcoming your life and struggling. I wish you all peace, calm and self acceptance.
I have been drinking for twenty years just to get to sleep . It used to work well – but now is no Li get working . I want to stop drinking before bed . I have tried sleeping g tablets but end up just taking both .
Just to quit from alcohol I have started tablet cloze 2 and remain away from alcohol but there is no sleep as I do not want to consume the tablet now I am suffering from hyper Uric acid,hypothyroidism & increased creatinine what should I do to have a sound sleep without alcohol or tablet after eight months of quiting from alcohol even a single drop
I have been drinking beer or cider heavily for 20 years or so, at the moment it is 2.44am and I have done multiple home detoxes the last a week the worst. I wouldn’t recommend it without seeing your doctor. I cannot sleep either, sore eyes and a headache which ironically look like I have had a drink! But I will beat this.. I realise how stupid I have been but it is hard for folk like us. I look at the pluses and used to drink pints of the strong stuff, then high strength cider before ending up on 4% canned lager. So I am pleased about that, my bloods are ok as are my organs so far so I send everyone wishes and Richard is right, I look forward to the future. At 42 things can only go up good luck everyone and oh a banana or Almond milk works for me, I know I will be out for the count by 4am.
Kevin thank you for spending time of your life helping other by providing valuable information. I will support you and donate monthly. Would I be getting weekly newsletter? I would like to read or watch some of your videos to learn how to continue with sobriety.
Thanks Valerie…the newsletter is sent out every day at the moment…and most of the videos are free – apart from the courses…
Hi Kevin,
Thanks for the detailed blog. I am habitual drinker and wants to quit (partially). Is it possible. Can I be a social drinker. Is it possible or I need to completely quit drinking.
I am not sure as how life would be if I completely stop drinking. What’s your say on this.
Also I tried to quit drinking for a week and I don’t face much issues while sleeping. With drinks it takes 15 min for me to go to sleep and without drinks, it takes an hour (manageable). Do you think that it would be simpler for me to quit it. I go to gym and do heavy workout. I think this helps me to sleep without drinks. But love you man….inspirational blog…
I’ve tried to moderate and be a social drinker lots of times, all failed. Alcohol is a drug, acts just like a drug, so ask yourself if you would be a social heroin user, cocaine user?
Actually yes I do know casual users of cocaine and other things,fact is I’m alcoholic lol and it does “it” for me unlike any other drug. That’s why I quit.
Thanks, I’ve just relapsed yesterday and the day before. I must admit that I’m kind of scared of sleeping. Spend yours in bad, in the darkness give time to do some “bad vibe thinking”.
I was two weeks clean but I got in an argument with my girlfriend and… you know how those things work. But before that, 6PM after done with my college routine I could not think about anything but booze.
I’ll try those tips, this is the hardest part for me.
I’m trying to stop drinking. I thought it would be easy but it’s not.. I’m going to try and get throw this weekend with a drink.. I hope I can. I can’t sleep at night with out a drink but I’m going to try this tips. Thank you
It has been 2 months since my mom stopped drinking and the sleepless nights have been since she stop. The really sad part of this is i just educated myself on this. She has been in and out of hospitals due to dehydration and kidney failure but thank God bounce back. I tell her not to fight it but she fights it. Accident prone yes she falls alot at night time due to her walking the floors.please how can I help her as I am losing sleep over this too.
She sounds like she needs some medical help, Judy
Hi I am 35 bin drinking for last ten years every night I just stopped 3 week ago I still drink Friday night as a treat but iam not sleeping I get to sleep about 9am and up at tea do u no off any help
Lying in bed now after a particularly heavy Christmas. I was really scared today. Never had the shakes before when I have not had a drink. Have been drinking heavily for the last twenty plus years. How I have managed to hold down a job is hard to know. Really want to quit. Not need. Want.i have to keep telling myself that. I don’t just need to I want to
I am going to do it this year. Thank you for your website and the advice and support you are offering.
You can do this Matt!
Hi I’ve been drinking every night for 43 years I had major heart surgery 2 years ago and an now type 2 diabetes. Have tried to stop drinking every night a few times before I don’t want to stop totally because I like the social side of it. I want to drink just when I go out at weekends rather than in the house every night. I dread the thought of not sleeping
I’ve been a heavy drinker since I was seventeen, I’m now forty two years of age. I use to not have a problem skipping a night here or there but now here I am, 3:30 AM, writing this response to whomever decides to read it. infeel like my heart is about to jump out of my chest. When I do drift off dreams are so odd and almost nightmarish I lie awake and think about their significance they hold, if any. I’ve known for some time there may be problems with sleeping but I had no grasp on the anxiety that came with it. It’s insane. God, if you’re listening please guide me. I don’t know if I can do this on my own.
Let’s do it together Johnny, I feel your pain. Been drinking since I was 16… larger only but was putting away 8 tins a night, it wasn’t effecting my work and iv always worked out and held down a relationship but I k ow it’s not good for me. 37 now. This will be night 2 since early November that I haven’t had one and I’m doing loads to help sleep at night, iv cut out as many carbs as I could and trying a high protein diet, I crave something sweet tho but had porridge amd a pint of water and that helped. Going to turn on a documentary on utube as that helps me drop off sober. Hope u can do it x bend my ear if u like
Thank you for your ideas on achieving a restful sleep Kevin, I will try some of the methods you have mentioned. I am 37 and I have been drinking since I was 15. I have stopped drinking for 3 weeks now and I have been having some trouble sleeping. Mainly I can sleep but its usually from 9pm to 3.30am. I also dream a lot, not bad dreams just dreams. I never used to dream before and it’s taking some getting use to. One of the things I think I will try is exercising a little bit every day and setting myself achievable little goals through the day. For anyone who is trying to stop, I wish you well; it’s a long road but take each day at a time. Rome was not made in a day and recovery is the same. Your body needs to relearn to be normal. Normal is good but be prepared for a flood of emotions which I think also effects your sleep, I have began writing a journal to deal with some of my unresolved issues. I hope some of these ideas help everyone through recovery and to restful nights.
I’m 43 days sober this second after 9 heavy years in this time of sobriety my accomplishments total 0 I can’t do anything at night but lay down and realise I’m nothing much.
It brought happiness but it took health. I ask myself repeatedly and so very often wouldn’t it be better if I were inebriated…for what has this clarity brought ?? That has also produced zero in all manners nothing has changed just my mood is worse off just very very sad now…i’ll pen you my turning point friends despite our paths never crossing, all it and by it i mean sobriety has done is take what little joy remained I must be a born masochist for either way I receive no pleasure. I apologise for writing and the wasting of time but I have no one to speak with
If you have a newsletter that could help me eliminate alcohol, I would appreciate it.
I’ve stopped drinking for two days. Both nights, about 3 hours choppy sleep each. Valium, ambien, little to no effect. Sorry, but the advice sounds like something I heard an M.D. say at a sleep seminar many years back: “If you are thinking of problems that are keeping you awake at night, you must not think of those problems.” That’s a punch-line from a stand-up routine. I’m retired thankfully. This morning, every morning I have to drive my disabled son to work. It is dangerous for me to be behind the wheel. I want to go back to PT work in the Fall. I can’t with nights like this. How long will this go on? I can’t walk a straight line. It is worse than a hangover. I quit drinking to lose weight and it’s getting too expensive.
I have been drinking for the last 30 years and I think your comments are going to help me quit this habit to the extent that I have lost appetite for food. thanks.
Your liver probably needs a little nutrition. Take Milk Thistle. You can find it at most pharmacies for a few bucks. Also eat a banana and/or some pineapple before going to sleep. These are natural sources of melatonin. You’re welcome. *source: years of experience with all *
Thank you very encouraging I’m looking for something to help my husband to stop drinking.
I like your way of fall off get back on technic I just hope he doesn’t use this too much he has tried to give up many times but always finds an excuse to have a drink. (Sleep the number 1 excuse)
i just want my husband back And healthy.
I’ve drank 5/6 glasses of wine every night for the last 2 years only to go to sleep my husband says I’m an alcoholic which I strongly disagree as I only drink once it’s night time
Drink to be able to sleep also. It’s a terrible way to go through life. I’ve just started the Sinclair Method to control or end my drinking. Dr. prescribed Naltrexone to help. Following the program and praying it works. I’d rather fight sleep issues than alcohol dependency.
Well shit lol i have quit now 3 months or so ..I dont keep track cause thats stupid I feel and pints ya toward failure. I quit cold turkey after a shit show at a dance I went to …all of you can do it all you have a choice and shit I didnt ever think I could quit, but I told myself the same as all of you do ..Im tired of the heart palputations, depression, feeling sick all day ect ect ect…you know what IM talking about lol…well I dont sleep well lol dont figure hey ? lol well its better then being drunk and wow talk about a change in thinking and my business is doing even better ! but again shitty sleep ! well I have learned to say screw it ! and live with it and its getting better…sleeping pills omg almost sent me over the edge didnt work at all even made it worse.
I know not all people could afford this , butI got a hottub and big difference in sleep. I guess a hot bath or shower would work too..drink less liquids before bed as I want to maximize my sleep time.
All of you can do this its freaking easy !!! its called get on your big girl/boy pants and do it !! stick to it and look around at all the sheep drinking lol its amazinghow drinking has become the norm in society..find new friends I havent lol I just drink lots of near beer..my friends have learned dam quick not to tease or ask me if I want a drink…life looks different now I see pictures in the clouds like when i was a kid…music is different..and at this stage your thinking Im a bible thumper lol far from….I would neverever have posted on here..I just wanted you guy’s to know you can do anything you want…just freaking do it suck it up live with it and it gets better and better…when I feel like life sucks with out a drink..grab a cold near beer and go fix or clean something ! I own a construction company and this works well lol but everyone else could have a hobby haha
Well again just do it ! you can trust me shit if I did you can lol and take care life is great now 25 more years Ill be pooping in a diaper haha but its going to be a fun 25 years till then…cheers all !!
Take Metamucil daily. Take vitamin B complex, C and Iron daily. Drink tea instead of coffee during the day. Eat your last meal at least two hours prior to going to sleep. Just before going to sleep take two aspirin with a glass of warm milk. A hot bath with something aromatic in it helps greatly. Don’t watch TV and don’t follow the news. Try to get at least some physical activity in every day. Avoid arguments with your spouse. Follow the above and life becomes more comfortable.
It’s been exactly 2 months without a drink. I’m turning 30, started drinking at 13 and have had a tumultuous relationship with it since. At first, I thought I was having a spell of irritable nights. It became clear to me, throughout all those years, I’d been drinking to aliviate my insomnia and manic episodes. (Note: also bi-polar)
It’s been really tough and sometimes I wake up looking hungover. I have a unstructured work schedule which makes a sleep schedule hard. I’m starting an exercise program and going to therapy to address what is keeping me from sleeping. (It’s a deep chasm!)
I made it through my first Hallowe’en sober and enjoyed it fully. No matter how much I cannot sleep, I’d rather not drink because I like myself and my life. It’s much better than anytime ever before. I’m glad I stumbled on this site. I don’t feel alone with this small challenge on the sober radar.
Hello i have a question im always drunk everyday because im not proper asleep a night ?i purpose to do?ive suffer of this kind ?hope you can hekp me -..
Ive had a rough couple of years and in particular the past 2. This past year I moved back to my country from another one and im all alone and starting over at 40. I think all this led me to drink more amd more until 2 months ago when i really started boozing hard. I started feeling withdrawal after for the first time in my life and started feeling the shakes, insomnia and anxiety. I tapered over the past two weeks and im on day three with no booze. The last week before the jump into sobriety i took klonipin daily and i stopped that entirely 4 days ago. Im feeling a little emotional with occasional anxiety and a little bit of shaking but it was much easier than i thought it would be. It is very hard to sleep though and it wore me down and now i have a cold. But im having moments of clarity and laughter. I am taking an herbal pill with valerian root, passionflower and hops. It is great for calming me but not so great for sleep. For sleep i am taking an antihistamine OTC and that might be helping. Last night i lay in bed until 4am but did get to sleep until 10am. Ive had crazy nightmares nightly. We can do this. Reading the article amd the comments makes me feel less alone amd i am glad i came across this site. Thanks kevin and all of you sharing your stories.
I’ve been drinking since age 16 and I’m 35 now. Didn’t get heavy into it until i was 21. I quit for9 mo the 2 years ago. I lost weight, was so focused in school, and i just felt this sense of relief every day… like the monkey was off my back. But then boredom kicked in and I got off the wagon! Now I’ve gained 20 lbs (I’m US) and my depression is looming and my insomnia is getting worse. Even sleeping pills are not effective anymore. I seriously need to detox- quitting again scares me… even though I know I’ll be happier. I feel like I’m weak if I can’t moderate my drinking. Isnt that stupid!? What am I trying to prove??
Hello All, I’m happily Four years sober and now a meditation instructor. I didn’t sleep well for two years after getting sober. I really recommend taking a meditation course. Also great book is “The Mind Illuminated” by Culadasa. Habitually, through meditation, learning to follow the breath and not our crazy thoughts (called monkey mind)eventually gets are sub-minds and sub-conscious on board and our mind quiets down. Good app is “Insight Timer”. After six-months of daily 20-30 mins of meditation, we have a different mind…it’s not screaming for attention. We also have a new technique when we get stressed out…sit and meditate. Yoga is great as well. Namaste Brian
Hi pal. Try valerian tea before bed and cranberry extract pills. You can find them in any bio – shops. Doing in it myself for the 6th time in 15 years, sleeplessness usually goes away in 2_3 weeks. Good luck.
I stopped drinking 2 months ago after 40+ years. I had no idea sleep would be so impacted by quitting. While drinking a actually had more than average REM and DEEP sleep and less than average light sleep. Now I have very little ReM and deep and mostly light sleep. Waking up during the night and taking much longer to fall asleep.
Everything I’ve read says alcohol prevents or inhibits REM but not in my case.
I’m hoping my body makes adjustments and sleep improves. The other benefits are keeping me committed. Clear mind, better skin. Improved outlook, more active…the list goes on and on.
Thanks for the sleep info. We are all individuals so we all will experience different challenges. Definitely not a one size fits all situation.
I stopped drinking recently again for good. I’m 44 and have had an evening habit for many years. This isn’t the first time I’ve given it a go to stop. My habit consisted of drinking a 1/3 of a 1/2 gallon every night (Gin/Vodka). I basically drank until I was blackout and darn near it. I decided to see a physician to start getting annual checkups. I do fitness at my house 5 times a week, so I try to stay and eat healthy. Just this silly evening habit that has had a grasp on me forever. The doctor told me I had higher then normal cholesterol and triglycerides. I was honest about my drinking with her. She said if I kept drinking the way I was drinking in 7-10 years I could start to see some serious problems in my health. So, time to stop. This leads me on to sleep problems which I’ve experienced before when trying to stop. What I did the first few weeks was take a Benadryl and hour before sleeping. This allowed me to for sure nod off in an hour or so, and led me back into a sleeping pattern. Benadryl has diphenhydramine in it which helps with sleep. Zquill also has that in double the dose. I know self medicating really isn’t what you should be doing, but in the short term it has helped me sleep and it might help you too.
I have been on and off drinker for 4 years, and the past 4 years I started to drink every night where I would finish off a 1.75L in 6-7 days mostly 80-90 proof just to sleep. I quit drinking almost 3 weeks ago, and have difficulty sleeping. When I do dream, it is the same dream I have been escaping through alcohol. How does one with PTSD sleep through the worst experienced hell on earth?
I can’t cope with the pain of my break up. Can’t eat or sleep, I feel depressed. Can’t sleep without the sleeping pills or wine. And to make things worse I think I’m getting addicted to them. How can I make myself feel better and sleep better?
I feel anxious. Can’t sleep without the sleeping pills or alcohol. And to make things worse I think I’m getting addicted to them. How can I make myself feel better and sleep better?
it’s midnight and tonight was the night I was done with drinking.. I went to bed at 8 and come 11pm I said forget it and now sitting here having a drink of gin and fresh lime cause it’s really not that bad..LOL gotta love those Jupiter berries, all kidding aside I loved reading the comments people have expressed. I will win it’s just helpful knowing I’m not alone. Love & Light Carrie
Been drinking every night before bed for over 20 years except for an unrelated hospital stay and another time where I stopped for 3-4 days. It sllxtatted with insomnia and Ambien etc. would cause me to sleep eat and make a mess. So I started with wine or beer but moved on to rum then gin. I’m guessing I drink 9 to 10 ounces of tanquery a night because 1.75 liters lasts about a week. . I don’t crave alcohol at all and I rarely drink anything socially. But… just cant sleep without it. And lately I’ve had several periods of feeling uncomfortable and anxious with transient depression during the day. No shakes. No sweats. So my question is…can I taper down by counting ounces or am I just fooling myself???