Packers22

Long story short I grew up in a family of drinkers. So needless to say I was drinking well before I was 21 and have continued to be a daily drinker for many years. I used to drink socially for fun when I was younger until as of 3-4 years ago I began drinking because I was stressed out at work. Well I have a new job and finally realized I have no need to drink. Within the past month I have went a week without drinking only to find I cannot sleep anymore. I literally feel as if I would be up for days straight if I just let it go. What can I do? Does anyone have any advice.

basias

Hi Packers !!

Just see it through and "DON'T DRINK ! " Eventually your body will become so exhausted that it will force you to sleep. It took me about 10-12 days, for 7 of those I did not sleep at all, and the last 2 or 3 I slept a little but it was fitful....full of crazy a.. dreams and miserable. My body finally expelled all the tension and anxiety and I began sleeping like a baby. It is different for everybody, but the trick is.........don't drink and it will work itself out.

Zebra1275

Welcome! The anxiety and sleepless nights will go away, at least it did for me. Just don't give in and drink to try to get to sleep. I don't think it's possible to die from lack of sleep, you just gotta hang in there.

freshstart57

I drank to fall asleep, but I really was drinking to pass out. I experienced insomnia for a short while too, and found that melatonin before bedtime helped a lot. In a couple of weeks, though, I found I didn't need it, and I could quickly fall asleep without any aid. I started to sleep soundly through the night again, with none of the anxiety that used to wake me up for a couple of hours most nights.

For me, a sound sleep is one of the great benefits of not drinking. The Resident Love Goddess says I don't snore anymore, and apnea is a thing of the past. Don't let alcohol fool you into thinking it will help with stress or falling asleep. It doesn't, not in the least.

Welcome to SR, Packers22. Hang in there.

Packers22

Thanks for the advice everyone. Lets see how this goes. This is going to be my first sober weekend in years.

sugarbear1

Alcohol disrupts normal sleep. Give your body time to get normal!

Welcome to SR!

least

I used to drink to get to sleep also, only I wasn't sleeping, I was unconcious - there's a big difference. Alcohol most certainly disrupts normal sleep and tho it may be hard to sleep at first after stopping, your sleep will return to normal. IF it doesn't, time to see a specialist (not a bottle).

Sara23

Try working out...you body will naturally become tired from all the activity. Follow it with a hot shower and some sleepytime tea and you will be passed out in no time! If that doesnt work pick up a book. Reading relaxes the mind and tires the eyes!

Dee74

Here are some common sense tips that may help:
Insomnia? 42 Simple Tips to Help You Get to Sleep - Insomnia treatment, cures

I think it's pretty usual though, especially if you've previously relied on alcohol to pass out/sleep...you'll find you should readjust in a week or two if your experience is anything like mine

Of course see your Dr if you're concerned - they should be able to help.

Welcome to SR Packers

D

Impurrfect

Welcome to SR (((Packers)))!

Our bodies take a while to realize we're no longer putting in whatever substance we abused (mine was crack), takes time for the brain chemicals that sorta went on vacation while you were drinking to realize it's time to get back to work! It does happen though.

Hugs and prayers,

Amy

Sobrietyforall

It can be hard knowing your partially addicted, but with strength and courage you can do anything. One thing you can do is buy meletonin from your local drug store, its a natural sleeping aid.

Gabriel

Hi and welcome! Like many others here, I drank to go to sleep b/c after 15 years of sipping the juice, my poor mind and body knew no other way to get to bed. No I suffer from not being able to have REM sleep and am a severe insomniac HOWEVER...here is what worked for me. Even though the sleep clinic gave me trazadone (100mg), that simply calmed me down. I found that walking for 20 minutes a day/3 days a week (to begin with) helped me to relax at night. Also, I began to journal my thoughts down before going to bed. Soft music helps along with deep breathing/meditation. Reading is another great thing to do because you're eyes will grow tired. Do you have racing thoughts at all? That's one thing that kept me up for the longest! If my brain wasn't repeating a line from a song over and over, it was thinking about the past....dope! The dreaded past...but I'm finally able to lay some of that to rest with practice.

As someone earlier mentioned, you can make it through this. It takes time and there is no overnight cure, in my opinion.

Also, I have used Valerian and also Melatonin (as Sobrietyforall mentioned) with much success. It's going to take your brain some time to 'rewire' itself and starting/keeping a good sleep routine will definitely aide you. Try googling 'natural remedies to sleep' and you will find a lot. Also 'How to cure insomnia'...many hits there as well.

All the best to you! You CAN do this!

artsoul

Welcome Packers22 -

Sounds like you've already gotten some good advice..... Insomnia can be really frustrating, I know (that's one thing that got me started drinking every night, too).

The good thing is that there are option other than drinking, and getting sober is going to improve your health in every way. Glad you've joined us!

Animal454

I am in the same boat. The thing that I dread the most are the upcoming sleepless nights..

Welcome aboard. Keep us posted.