Addiction affects several aspects of a person’s life including their health. Sleep disorders are common amongst those dealing with substance abuse. Sleep disorders associated with substance abuse include sleep impairment, moderate to severe insomnia, sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome.
A study conducted at the Alcohol and Drug Recovery Center at the Cleveland Clinic found that substance abusers are five to ten times more likely to have sleep disorders. According to the study, the “vast majority of alcoholic patients entering treatment reported insomnia-related symptoms.” Alcohol can affect your rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and increase the time it takes to fall asleep.
Many people are under the false impression that alcohol can help them fall asleep. The truth is that alcohol is more likely to interfere with your normal sleeping patterns than it is to aid in restful sleep. Alcohol has been shown to affect circadian rhythms making it difficult to sleep, lowering your metabolism, energy, immune system and more.
Bottom line – the more you drink, the more likely you are to experience adverse effects such as an inability to sleep. The health risks associated with even moderate alcohol consumption are devastating. Abstinence from alcohol can help improve many areas of your life including your ability to sleep, overall health and wellbeing.