Sleep is vital for mental and physical wellness. People who are recovering from substance use disorder (SUD) often experience chronic sleep disturbances, which impact their mood and ability to regulate emotions. Some people even have co-occurring sleep disorders requiring simultaneous treatment. According to the journal The Psychiatric Clinics of North America, “Drugs of abuse and alcohol have disruptive effects on sleep, in particular, interfering with the ease of falling asleep, increasing the difficulty in maintaining sleep, and altering the cycling of sleep stages from non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep to rapid eye movement (REM) sleep.” The importance of rest in addiction recovery cannot be overstated. Fortunately, Renaissance Ranch provides clients with many ideas and tools for regulating their sleep and enhancing sleep quality.
Why Is Quality Sleep Important?
Getting the recommended amount of sleep each night allows the body to heal, regenerate, and recharge. People who do not have quality sleep may struggle with exhaustion, memory issues, and physical side effects like a lowered immune response. According to the journal Sleep, “Adults should sleep 7 or more hours per night on a regular basis to promote optimal health.”
Multiple factors affect how much sleep a person needs to stay healthy, including the following:
- Age
- Genetics
- General health
- Stress levels
- Lifestyle
- Environment
Sleep quality influences how people feel, think, and behave throughout the day. Individuals who get a whole night’s sleep often feel more energized and focused. Clients participating in rehabilitation programs frequently struggle with multiple symptoms and side effects of SUD, which can affect sleep quality. Healthier sleep routines can be created by using prescription medications, psychotherapy, peer support, holistic therapies, and other services.
Sleep Disturbances and Addiction
Addiction often contributes to sleep disturbances. Alcohol and drugs may cause people to chronically over- or under-sleep, which disrupts their circadian rhythm. Insomnia or chronic lack of sleep can profoundly impact a person’s physical and psychological health. According to the previously mentioned article in Sleep, “Sleeping less than 7 hours per night on a regular basis is associated with adverse health outcomes, including weight gain and obesity, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and stroke, depression, and increased risk of death.”
The Health Benefits of Quality Rest in Addiction Recovery
Sleep gives the mind and body time to rest and reset. Finding healthy ways to manage sleep disturbances increases sleep quality and improves overall health. Residential and outpatient treatment programs help clients practice good sleep hygiene by educating them on developing and maintaining a healthy bedtime routine.
Some of the most common health benefits of sleeping at least seven hours each night include the following:
- Fewer symptoms of SUD or mental health disorders
- Improved cognitive function
- Reduced stress
- Improved mood regulation
- Stronger immune system function
- Lower risk of cardiovascular disease and other health issues
- Accelerated recovery and healing
Also, people make better decisions when they feel healthy and rested. Sleep directly affects how the brain and other essential bodily systems function.
Proper Rest in Addiction Recovery Positively Impacts Cognitive Function
Substance abuse affects cognition and impacts how people respond to treatment. Proper rest during rehabilitation positively impacts cognitive function and allows the brain to heal from the damaging effects of drugs or alcohol. Many people notice that they feel more clear-headed and focused if they sleep the recommended hours each night.
Quality sleep positively affects cognition by doing the following:
- Enhancing memory by moving information from short-term to long-term memory
- Boosting creativity and improving problem-solving skills
- Improving emotional and mood regulation
- Removing waste to increase brain function
- Reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases
Sleeping without interruption for the recommended number of hours significantly improves a person’s resilience and ability to overcome challenges during recovery from SUD.
How Does Renaissance Ranch Promote Rest in Addiction Recovery?
Renaissance Ranch offers residential and outpatient programs that aim to improve people’s overall wellness. Clients are provided with schedules and resources to help them maintain a healthy sleep cycle during treatment and aftercare. Most people gradually develop healthier sleep routines as they begin to recover from the effects of chronic substance abuse. Over time, clients learn to create healthy and practical sleep schedules that ensure they get enough sleep each night to feel rested and energized the next day.
Creating Structure and Healthy Nightly Routines
Some people struggle to embrace structure or create healthy nightly routines. These people may find it challenging to focus and remain consistent with their behaviors at night. Abruptly changing when and how they sleep may feel uncomfortable. Therapists, family members, and peers often play an essential role in helping clients develop healthy sleep hygiene. The additional accountability and support make it easier for some people to create routines that reduce distractions before bedtime.
The mental health experts at Renaissance Ranch teach clients the importance of sleep and provide effective methods for improving sleep quality during treatment. Eventually, clients incorporate these methods into their lifestyle, ensuring that they continue to get quality sleep during long-term recovery.
Sleep is essential to mental and physical health. People recovering from chronic substance abuse often have significant sleep deficits or co-occurring mental health issues that affect their sleep quality. Treatment programs provide structure, guidance, and schedules to help clients develop healthy bedtime routines that support good sleep hygiene. Addressing the underlying issues causing poor sleep is an integral part of treating symptoms of SUD. Treatment plans often incorporate holistic or evidence-based therapies meant to help clients improve their sleep and overall quality of life. At Renaissance Ranch, we encourage clients to set healthy sleep schedules and limit distractions before bed to enhance their quality of sleep. To learn more about our programs, call us today at (801) 308-8898.