madgirl

Day 45 of sobriety, and day 45 of very broken sleep. I am steadfast and unwavering in my decision to embrace sobriety, but this insomnia is really impacting my life.

I practice good sleep hygiene. Maybe part of it is that husband snores very loudly which I probably missed before because I'd essentially pass out from drinking wine at night.

I rotate between my nice comfortable bed with the noise, and the couch downstairs multiple times per night. I don't drift off until 1am at the earliest - last week I was up until 4am.

I've tried melatonin and OTC sleeping pills. No dice.

I desperately miss the oblivion of sleep - the respite for my brain.

Those of you with long term sobriety - do you remember when sleep finally did return?

I am going to try my hardest to nap this afternoon, as I am very cranky and tearful.

Thanks all.

AdelineRose

Do you have a doctor that you can talk to and get medicine to help you sleep at night?

I wasn't sleeping basically at all and even some prescription sleeping medicines weren't working and after an evaluation I found I had bipolar type 2 disorder and that I needed antipsychotics to fall asleep at night. I now sleep like a rock but if I hadn't reached out to a doctor I would have never been able to remedy the situation.

CaseyW

Everyone in early sobriety is different. Sleep has not been an issue for me but I know insomnia is very common for many. I'm on day 50. I second AdelineRose's question--have you gone to see a doctor about your sleep issues? Be upfront about your drinking if you do go.

madgirl

No I haven't been to the doctor - no health insurance at the moment.

Volshen

I snore and my girlfriend snores .. we have a box fan we turn on every night that masks the sound of the snoring. It started simply as her being used to the sound of a fan to sleep .. but I'm realizing it has benefits.

Soberwolf

I hope this helps

https://sleepfoundation.org/sleep-to...thy-sleep-tips

biminiblue

Are you getting any moderate exercise? If I don't get in 30 minutes a day, my sleep is fitful.

For the record though - I've been sober for quite a while. The first few months are pretty rough sleep-wise. The first month I don't think I slept through the night once. I did learn that if I got out of bed and had some milk and toast or even just hot cocoa I could go back to sleep.

Nowadays I really do need to get in my walk, though.

I feel your pain on the snoring. That's why I sleep alone.

PurpleKnight

Day 45 is fantastic!!

madgirl

Thanks for the congrats.

Bimini I typically walk between 4 and 8 miles a day. The night snacking is what eventually sends me into sleep (the broken sleep, but better than staring at the four walls).

Delizadee

Congrats on day 45!

I use rX sleep aids to help in early sobriety. Stick to a regular bed time and wake schedule. I found it easy to wean off the sleep aids if I stuck to a schedule and exercised regularly.
I would talk to your Dr if you keep struggling long term. Sleep is so important to mental and overall health.

dreamsneverend

Do you think your husband would be OK with you suggesting anti-snoring aids, as proper 8-hour sleeps are invaluable when you're newly sober? Also, the backwards and forwards between bed and couch would drain anyone (I've done this for exactly your reason!). If you're having a really hard day, a full night's sleep on the couch in the quiet will probably recharge you a lot better. Best.

least

It took me a month or two to get good sleep again. I'd see the doctor if it doesn't get better soon.

lynnmarie123

Hi madgirl. Today, I am six months sober. I drank regularly for 25 years. The last 10 years, I've worked my consumption up to 2+ bottles of wine per night. For years my method of getting to sleep was passing out and at the end of my drinking career, I think I was just drinking so I could "sleep".
So when I quit, sleeping was a huge issue. I did not see a doctor for it. I tried various natural sleep aiding supplements, some worked, some didn't.
Now, a bad night sleep is just the rare to occasional thing. And I never thought I would sleep well without alcohol.
I know my brain is still healing and I have to be patient for all the things I think a sober life should hold.
Hang in there, it'll get better with time.

Soberwolf

I'm posting this in a minute

Healthy sleep ? recharge your batteries | Go Sober Wellbeing

https://www.ted.com/talks/andy_puddi...indful_minutes

madgirl

Thanks so much everyone. Last night I did enjoy unbroken sleep from midnight until quarter of eight - so things will hopefully be improving.