perpetualgrace

This is Day 6 for me and thankfully the physical
withdrawals haven't been that bad. The first
2 days I had heart palpitations, upset stomach,
and headaches and really tired - just like a
hangover.

Now most have abated except for the crushing
headache AND I want to sleep a lot! For the
past 6 days I've slept like 10-12 hours a night.
I'm not feeling very productive at all.

So I'm curious as to the physiological reasons
for sleeping so much? What's happening in my
body that makes me crave sleep? Is it more
psychological you think?

I'm mainly just curious but at the same time
I really need to get more work done!

Thanks, yall.

pg

Astro

Hmmm, not sure but you'll get lots of suggestions shortly. It was weeks before I got any slept, most of the time anxiety and panic attacks would keep me awake. If you haven't read this already, there's lots of good info here http://www.soberrecovery.com/forums/...at-we-did.html

WendyS

Your body may be trying to work the toxins out. Take advantage of the sleep if you can, as Astro said, it is more common to not be able to sleep in early recovery.
Be kind to yourself and your body in this stage. Great job and keep posting!!
Wendy

Horselover

I slept A LOT and felt very groggy most of the time in the beginning. I counted myself lucky because I read so many posts about insomnia. I didn't have that until much later. See the thing is I like sleep and naps (20 minutes to 45 if I'm really tired). I didn't see it as a problem. Its okay. Say it with me, "Sleep good!"

bstt03

Great job on the six days! And better to be sleeping than drinking right? I love to sleep, can't remember the last time I slept 10-12 hours!

CarolD

Think of this next few weeks as a healing time
You are now a non drinker ...:

This may help...I don't recall if deep sleeping is discussed.
...Lots of good information anyway

Post Acute Withdrawl - Relapse Prevention Specialists - TLC The Living Center

Good to see you here again with us...

KarenOskie

I'm tired and sleeping a lot, too. Today is day 3 for me, but I had three weeks up until I drank on Saturday. I kind of wonder what it's about, too, whether it's part of my body healing or maybe it's depression. I listened to a Clancy tape (he's a good AA speaker) and he said that the natural state for an alcoholic is depressed and anxious, etc. That it's only when we start to get better that we get out of that state. OK, so when??? I'm sure ready for it. I guess the trick is to stay sober, not use the alcohol to make us feel better, until we can get better. Kind of makes me want to work harder at it. I like Carols idea of thinking of ourselves as in a healing time, because we are. And it makes it easier for me to go easy on myself, as in not overdoing housework, trying to get my life back in order this week, etc.
Congrats on your six days!

Isaiah

Odd. After my last binge I couldn't sleep at all. (Still can't.)

endzoner

could need some vitimins that helps with all the things your bodys been lacking for a while that are heathly for you ... Welcome to SR

perpetualgrace

Thanks for the help, y'all. Maybe it is just part of my
body healing, or maybe the sleep center in my brain has
a short in it. I guess I'll just enjoy the sleep while I can!

Astro - thanks for the link, tons of good stuff there.

WendyS - Until I came to this forum, I had no idea of the
complexities of alcohol's affect on the body. I can't believe
I've harmed myself this way and I'm sure my poor old body
is working overtime to clean up my mess!

Repeating after horselover...."Sleep Good" !

bstto3 - thanks for the congrats and I'd rather be Rip Van
Wrinkle than take another drink right now. lol

CarolD - thanks for the link and you're right - the sleep
disturbances can manifest as either insomnia or deep sleeping.
I feel lucky. And I love what you said here... " You are now
a non drinker". Why, I am, aren't I?

KarenOskie - I think we are healing, too. I don't feel that
tired during the day, but my body just konks out on me when
my head hits the pillow. Who is the Clancy you spoke of?
Tom Clancy? j/k I'm really into reading and learning as much
as I can about this disease. And I'm very proud of you
for picking back up again.

Isaiah - I wish I could lend you some of my zzzzzz's!

endzoner - thank you for the suggestion. I've read the
B vitamins are good for recovery.

You guys rock!

pg

kitteninaboot

PG,

I am also jealous. Haven't slept a quality wink in 2 days. I think your body is healing! Yay for you!

IO Storm

Your body is "resting"...enjoy it, let it.

Hugs, pg

Coolmummy

I didn't sleep too well for the first couple of weeks but now I am zonking out really early! My theory is that when we drink a lot, the sleep isn't 'proper' sleep but a state of unconsciouness, so maybe your body is catching up on that?!

Whatever it is, it's very nice to wake up feeling refreshed!

sas