Why Opioid Withdrawal Causes Insomnia and How to Manage It
Opioids continue to fuel a crisis across America, leading to addiction, shattered dreams, and lost lives. In addition to all the short-term and long-term effects of opioid abuse, these potent drugs can cause a wide range of problems when a person who is addicted tries to quit—a distressing, uncomfortable condition known as opioid withdrawal. Among all of the symptoms this can lead to, opioid withdrawal insomnia is an all too common problem that can linger for months or even years after quitting using these drugs.
That’s why professionals at WhiteSands Treatment’s network of drug rehabs across Florida will work closely with you to determine your specific symptoms and difficulties during withdrawal. In many cases, withdrawal symptoms will dissipate over time, and medication and other treatment options can help considerably with things like insomnia as well.
Let’s explore just how common insomnia can be for those who are addicted to opioids and what can be done about it.
Is Insomnia a Common Symptom of Opioid Withdrawal?
Opioid withdrawal insomnia is a common problem that people might have to deal with as they quit using these drugs. An article from Johns Hopkins Medicine cited research that showed that up to 80% of people with an opioid addiction have insomnia, making this symptom essential to understand as people get help to get better. In addition to the risks of brain damage and drug overdose, opioids have a direct impact on the quality of sleep by affecting neurotransmitters in the brain.
There are many possible symptoms of opioid withdrawal, including:
- Agitation or anxiety
- Aches
- Stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting
- Insomnia
- Runny nose
- Sweating
- Frequent yawning
How Long Does Insomnia Last After Withdrawal?
Opioid withdrawal insomnia is just one possible effect of withdrawing from this drug. Most often, withdrawal symptoms will start about 12 hours to a few days after the last use of the drug. While withdrawal symptoms peak within days or just a couple of weeks, and most things start to improve from there on out, insomnia can be a stubborn symptom that sticks around long after withdrawal. Unfortunately, sleep troubles, including insomnia, can persist for months or even years after withdrawal as the person’s brain rebalances and gets used to no longer having the opioids anymore.
The importance of quality sleep is high for everyone, but for people who are just starting on the road to recovery after addiction, lingering insomnia can become a real quality-of-life issue that makes it hard to focus on recovery.
Another problem is that someone who is struggling to fall asleep or stay asleep will likely be fatigued throughout the day, and that can make it seem more complicated to resist urges and cravings to use opioids again to feel better. Because insomnia can linger for quite some time after quitting opioids, it’s important to talk with your doctor about this and other withdrawal side effects to determine if treatment or medication could help you get more sleep and feel more rested.
Is It Safe to Use Sleep Aids During Opioid Withdrawal?
While there are medications that are commonly prescribed for sleep problems, these medicines aren’t always a great idea for someone who is using opioids or is recovering from opioid addiction.
In the recent past, sleep issues were most often managed by medications like Ambien or benzodiazepines, which can interact with opioids or even increase the risk of overdosing on opioids. Benzodiazepines also have the potential for addiction, which makes them not the best option for someone who is recovering from substance use disorder.
Commonly, people with opioid use disorder will be given things like antidepressants or antihistamines that cause drowsiness and help them sleep. However, the evidence is mixed on their effectiveness in this situation.
Research continues on other medications that could work much better for people who have opioid use disorder. Opioid withdrawal insomnia could be treated with suvorexant, which works differently by affecting the person’s overall sleep-wake cycle rather than causing drowsiness.
The medication doesn’t cause a drug high, which can happen with some sleeping pills, and that means it could be much less likely to be misused. A team at Johns Hopkins is now conducting a multi-year clinical trial of this medication, which it classifies as an anti-wakefulness drug instead of a sedative, to determine how helpful it could be for people with opioid use disorder who are suffering from insomnia.
When Should You Consider Medical Help for Sleep Problems?
Insomnia can be a lingering issue that causes problems in many aspects of daily life. While some self-care practices can sometimes help, such as following consistent sleep schedules, practicing meditation or yoga to calm the mind, and reducing screen time before bed, people with insomnia should seek medical help if the condition is constantly affecting their lives.
Some signs that it might be time to contact your doctor about your sleep problems include consistently having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, or not feeling refreshed when you wake up. Interference with daily life is a major red flag, pointing to sleep problems causing difficulty at home, work, or school.
Daytime sleepiness, difficulty concentrating, mood changes, and irritability can also be signs that it’s time to get help for sleep problems. Another warning sign that you need professional help is if you snore loudly or your breathing pauses during sleep—these signs of sleep apnea need to be treated.
The decision of when to get medical help for sleep problems will vary from person to person, and it’s important to consider your medical history, such as other medical conditions, when deciding if you need professional help.
Get Help With Opioid Withdrawal Insomnia at WhiteSands Treatment
Opioid withdrawal insomnia is a common problem for people who have quit taking opioids, and it can unfortunately last for quite some time. Sleep problems can rob you of the quality of life and a rested, contented feeling that you deserve.
That’s why insomnia is something that isn’t ignored at top drug rehabs like WhiteSands Treatment. Our comprehensive treatment programs, including rehab programs for Florida senior substance abuse, will track your overall progress in overcoming addiction and help you address any symptoms you might have from withdrawal.
Ignoring your insomnia can make you tired and miserable, and it can actually increase your risk of relapsing or caving to an intense craving to use the drug again. That’s why you need to get help and find a way of managing your insomnia so you can remain committed and focused on your recovery.
Call WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab at 877-855-3470 today and learn more about our opioid addiction treatment programs.
External Sources
- Johns Hopkins Medicine – Improving Sleep for Those with Opioid Use Disorder
- MedlinePlus – Opiate and Opioid Withdrawal
- National Institutes of Health – Research Snapshot: Better Sleep Eases Opioid Withdrawal and Cuts Drug Craving
If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.
About the Author
Jackie has been involved in the substance abuse and addiction treatment sector for over five years and this is something that she is truly eager about. She has a passion for writing and continuously works to create informative pieces that not only educate and inform the public about the disease of addiction but also provide solutions for those who struggle with drug and alcohol abuse.
