jjodrig

I stopped drinking 7 days ago. I've been not be able to sleep more than one interrupted hour every night. I'm desperate. I'm really thinking to go back to my drinking until I know what's happening.

Thanks

mrjustin

Hi Jjodrig,

Yep its a bugger, its normal to have problems with sleeping after stopping drinking.

Have you got a bit of time of work? It will take your body time to adjust. It will definitely get easier. From my experience as im working through the same thing its a lot to do with routine. Heres what ive learnt:

* Go to bed and get up at the same time to get your body into a regular sleep pattern.
*Avoid stimulants such as caffeine, tea and sugar before bef
* turn off tv and iphones etc as they emit blue light and stimulate the brain
*avoid physical activity before bed
* read a book before bed to switch off
*try a warm cup of milk or cammomile tea.
Keep us updated

Wastinglife

Very common in early sobriety. Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant. Take it away and the nervous system kind of rebounds. If takes a while for it to adjust. The insomnia won't last long. Just don't drink and give it time.

Dee74

Hi jjodrig - welcome

Insomnia's pretty common after we stop drinking. If you go back to drinking you're just going to face this again the next time you quit.

There are some common sense things you can try:

Insomnia - NHS Choices

If it's really impacting your life, I'd consider seeing a Dr. It's got to be a better option than drinking again?

D

least

No!! Don't start drinking again! Insomnia is a temporary problem. Drinking will only make it worse cause you'll have to start all over again and go thru the same thing. It took me a few weeks before my sleep was back to normal again. Hang in there. See your doctor. Just don't drink!

upminer

Still dealing with this especially on night shift (used to drink in the mornings) I've gone with the sleepy time tea when I get home (if you read my other posts you'd see I have subbed in NA beer For my usual drink however in trying to change behaviors for myself I figured "morning drinking" had to go regardless) the tea isn't doing it for me as well. I have seen a doctor and they prescribed me something but I'm reluctant to start relying on medication to sleep (isn't relying on alcohol the same?)

Nonsensical

You'll never figure out what is happening with your sleep if you return to drinking. Lack of sleep impacts judgment. You quit for a reason. Don't let lack of sleep talk you out of it.

It's truly maddening, I know. I have felt that desperation. Insomnia killed off my resolve many times in the past. Hang on for a few more days and if things don't start to resolve then see a doctor.

Soberwolf

Well done on a week sober

Good advice in this thread

JanieJ

Congratulations on 7 sober days !

Hang in there, it does get better.

There were several nights I didn't get much sleep in early days-your brain and body are readjusting, that's what happening.

So now you know what's happening, you don't have to drink until you find out.

And welcome to the forum, by the way

sugarbear1

your brain is relearning how to sleep without alcohol.

give time time and heal well!

Kero

Hang in there. It does get better as others have said. If you do drink, you have to start all over again going through it.

When I have insomnia, I make sure I have something to fill the time (movies, TV, etc).

I'm 10 days sober and just now I'm finally starting to feel more normal. Getting there is tough, but it is worth it when you do feel better.

lunar

Once real sleep kicks in,
it's truly amazing.
Give it a little more time.

ShenzyT

Hang in there with your sleep.
I'm 16 days sober & have only started sleeping properly the past 2/3 nights (and now I'm shattered all the time .... go figure )
The 1st couple of weeks I couldn't sleep at all .... and if I did get an hour or so - the dreams !!!! Omg !!!!
It will definitely get better.
X