Insomnia is one of the most common side effects of substance use disorder (SUD) and dual diagnosis. Insomnia has the potential to impact all areas of a person’s life. Some individuals have difficulty navigating recovery from SUD with untreated insomnia. Residential and outpatient rehabilitation programs at Driftwood Recovery prioritize holistic care and address symptoms, including insomnia and other sleep disturbances, to ensure clients have the energy to focus on healing.
What Is Insomnia?
Insomnia is a type of sleep disturbance that interferes with a person’s ability to maintain a healthy sleep schedule. Individuals with insomnia have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep and often feel unrested when they wake up. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), “Insomnia is a common sleep disorder” that “can get in the way of your daily activities and may make you feel sleepy during the day.” Insomnia can significantly impact a person’s mental and physical health and reduce quality of life. Driftwood Recovery treats insomnia using a combination of evidence-based and holistic modalities.
Defining Insomnia: Key Signs and Symptoms
The warning signs and symptoms of insomnia vary in intensity and manifest differently depending on multiple factors. Some of the most common signs of insomnia include:
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Frequently waking up throughout the night
- Inability to fall back asleep after waking up
- Feeling unrested after sleep
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Difficulty concentrating and focusing on tasks during the day
- Relying on prescription or over-the-counter sleep aids to stay awake or fall asleep
- Tension headaches
- Irritability and mood swings
Insomnia is a common side effect of substance abuse and a risk factor for abusing substances as a way to cope with the symptoms.
Understanding the Connection Between Insomnia and Substance Abuse
Substance abuse can affect sleep patterns and cause insomnia. According to Medical Clinics of North America, insomnia and other sleep disturbances are “a frequent complaint among persons using alcohol and illicit drugs.” Sleep disturbances may also cause people to rely on prescription medication or addictive substances like caffeine and alcohol to manage the symptoms. Substance abuse only worsens insomnia symptoms and, over time, may lead to severe illness or injury. Early intervention and treatment for substance abuse and sleep disturbances reduce the risk of dangerous health complications.
Risk Factors for Insomnia
Lifestyle choices and other factors impact people’s reactions to their environment and life stressors. Some major risk factors for insomnia include:
- Substance abuse
- Chronic or acute stress
- Significant life changes, including divorce, moving away from loved ones, or loss of a family member
- Depression or emotional distress
- Chronic pain and persistent health issues
- Inconsistent work schedule
- Working at night
- Financial instability
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Frequently travel to different time zones
Genetics may also play a role in the development of insomnia. Research has shown that specific demographics report a higher rate of sleep disturbances, including insomnia. For example, according to MedlinePlus, “African Americans take longer to fall asleep, don’t sleep as well, and have more sleep-related breathing problems.” Individuals with a family history of sleep disturbances can speak with their care team or primary care provider to learn about preventive measures and treatments for insomnia.
The Impact of Mental Health on Sleep
A person’s mental health directly affects their sleep pattern. Individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, or manic symptoms may have difficulty getting quality sleep each night. For example, people who feel constantly on edge and worried may find it challenging to relax enough to fall into a restful sleep. Insomnia and other sleep issues are common side effects of mental health disorders. Treating mental health issues generally resolves sleep disturbances or significantly reduces them. We use prescription medication, psychotherapy, and holistic therapies to treat sleep problems caused by mental health disorders.
The Link Between Insomnia, Substance Abuse, and Mental Health Disorders
Insomnia, mental health disorders, and substance abuse have multiple possible connections, including:
- Individuals with SUD and mental health disorders have a higher risk of developing insomnia
- People struggling with chronic insomnia have a higher risk of developing SUD or mental health issues
- Some people with insomnia may self-medicate to cope, leading to addictive behaviors
- Chronic abuse of some addictive substances may cause insomnia
- Insomnia is a symptom of some mental health disorders
All three conditions can also develop independently. Individuals with multiple co-occurring conditions often report more severe symptoms of insomnia.
How Anxiety and Stress Contribute to Insomnia
Stress is the most common cause of insomnia. Anxiety-related disorders and mental health issues significantly increase stress and worsen the effects of insomnia and other sleep issues. Driftwood Recovery provides clients with a safe and comfortable space where they learn techniques to promote relaxation.
Effective Treatments for Insomnia
Some effective treatments for addressing insomnia include:
- Psychotherapy
- Medication
- Light therapy
- Acupuncture
- Relaxation techniques
We collaborate closely with clients to create tailored treatment plans addressing all active and underlying issues impacting their health and recovery.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I)
The principles of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help clients manage symptoms of SUD, including sleep disturbances like insomnia. According to the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, “The most effective nonpharmacological treatment for chronic insomnia is cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-i).” Psychotherapy reduces stress and promotes healthy sleep routines.
How Medication Can Help Treat Insomnia
We may use prescription medications to help clients manage insomnia. Some of the most common prescription sleep aids include:
- Trazodone
- Doxepin
- Eszopiclone
- Zaleplon
- Temazepam
Our dedicated clinicians monitor client progress and manage medications to ensure clients only take sleep aids as recommended and when appropriate.
Holistic Approaches to Managing Insomnia
A holistic approach to managing insomnia considers medical, social, behavioral, and environmental factors impacting sleep. Lifestyle changes can improve sleep quality, including eating nutritional meals, staying active, and developing healthy relationships. Many nonpharmaceutical treatments allow people to sleep better throughout the night. We help clients explore their options to ensure they have the best sleep possible during treatment for SUD.
The Role of Sleep Hygiene
Developing a consistent bedtime routine is one of the quickest and easiest ways to improve overall sleep. Sleep is essential during recovery from SUD. The body needs rest each night to heal.
Clients in treatment for SUD or dual diagnosis improve their sleep hygiene by doing the following:
- Maintaining a consistent and sustainable sleep schedule
- Staying physically active
- Avoiding stimulating substances or activities before bed
- Limiting naps throughout the day
- Lowering lights and reducing noise before bedtime
- Turning off smart devices or removing them from the sleeping area
- Using yoga, meditation, and other low-stress activities to relax and reduce stress
Optimizing bedtime routines and the sleep environment reduces distraction and improves sleep quality.
Treating Insomnia as a Symptom of Substance Abuse or Mental Health Disorders
Our tailored approach to treating insomnia as a symptom of SUD or mental health disorders reduces the risk of relapse by improving sleep quality for clients in rehabilitation. Driftwood Recovery provides residential and intensive outpatient treatment. We offer personalized care plans to ensure all factors impacting client health, safety, and comfort are considered during treatment planning and continuing care. Our tailored treatment programs support lasting sleep improvement by helping clients heal from the effects of substance abuse and co-occurring conditions.
Insomnia is a common health issue experienced by individuals diagnosed with substance use disorder. Driftwood Recovery treats insomnia and other symptoms of addiction or mental health disorders using a holistic approach. To learn more about our programs and services, call us today at (512) 759-8330.
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