If you’re battling a meth addiction, you know how hard it can be to break free from the cycle of meth and sleep disturbances that comes with it.
See, when you put yourself in a state of chronic tiredness, it affects not only your brain but your body, too, which can make day-to-day responsibilities in life unbearable.
That’s why taking the time to understand exactly how meth can mess up your sleep can help you better heal in recovery.1
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How Methamphetamine Affects the Brain and Body
Methamphetamine is a strong stimulant that forces your brain to be flooded with dopamine, a chemical that helps with reward and pleasure.
While at first, the energy you get from using this drug may feel good, it can eventually lead to a number of health issues.
This stimulant fights against the natural waves of your brain, which makes it harder for you to relax or get any real sleep.
Leaving your body stuck in this active mode knocks your sleep-wake cycle off balance and can not only rob your sleep but potentially cause permanent and serious injury to your brain and general health.
Common Sleep Disturbances Caused by Meth Use
Meth and sleep disturbances generally go together and might still be present even after it’s completely left your system.
Here are some sleep disorders it may trigger:
- Insomnia: Not being able to fall or stay asleep because of overactivity.
- Fragmented Sleep: Falling asleep but waking up several times.
- Hypersomnia: Sleeping for longer periods after extreme meth use makes it hard for your body to heal.
- Sleep Apnea: Greater risk of having issues breathing while sleeping.2
Each of these sleep issues from meth can hurt your physical and mental health, which can make recovery even more difficult to come back from.
Quick Tip: Don't Wait to Get Help!
If meth and sleep disturbances are taking over your life or that of someone you love, there is no reason to wait to get help. Getting the support to handle both the addiction to meth and related sleep issues can make a great difference in recovery.
Psychological Effects of Meth on Sleep
Meth does not spare your body or your brain.
Anxiety, paranoia, and depression are all things that contribute to your not getting good sleep.
It’s one of those vicious circles when poor quality sleep leads to a messed-up psyche, which, when messed up, is less capable of decent rest.
A vicious circle like this has to be broken down by dealing with the physical and psychological consequences of substance use.
Long-Term Consequences of Meth and Sleep Disturbance
Sleep issues from meth use can have long-lasting effects on your health.
Some serious effects that your constant sleep disturbances can cause are:
- Cognitive Impairment: Problems with your memory, attention, and decision-making.
- Heart Problems: Sleep issues from meth use can result in high blood pressure, issues with your heart, and more.
- Mood Disorders: Anxiety, depression, and stress from the lack of sleep will cause problems with your mood.
- Poor Quality of Life: The inability to continue with daily activities contributes to problems with your relationships, work life, and overall well-being.
Dealing With Sleep Issues From Meth in Recovery
The good news is that your sleep issues from meth can be treated with the right coping skills and support.
Here is a quick look at some options to get you started in healing your sleep:
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I): This form of therapy will help you change how you think and act about sleep.3
- Sleep Medications: In some cases, medications may be used as a helpful temporary solution in early recovery.
- Develop a Sleep Schedule: Going to bed and waking up at the same time each day can also help.
- Make Your Space Comfortable: A quiet, dark, relaxing environment makes it easier to unwind.
- Find Ways to Relax: Do various exercises, including deep breathing, meditation, or light stretches, which calm the brain to ease your body into sleep.
Remember, recovery is usually an extended process that takes time, but with these easy steps, you can start sleeping your way back to health.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are meth and sleep disturbances connected?
Methamphetamine stimulates your central nervous system, making it hard for your body to wind down. This can cause serious sleep problems, mainly insomnia or constantly waking up at night, and you are usually left not feeling well-rested.
Will sleep ever go back to normal after I quit using meth?
Yes, sleep can get better with time, patience, and help from the support of your family and friends, as well as professional help. Recovery usually comes after attending therapies, changing day-to-day activities little by little, and sometimes taking medicines to help your body regulate itself.
What are some things I can do to help me sleep during meth recovery?
Go to bed and get up at the same time every day; make your sleeping place cozy and quiet; try things like meditating or deep breathing to help relax you. If that doesn’t work for you, it might be time to get professional help.
How long do sleep disturbances last after quitting meth?
Sleep problems can last weeks or months, depending on how long and how much meth was used. Everybody is different, but with proper help, you’ll manage to feel a lot better sooner.
Key Takeaways
- Key Takeaways
- Methamphetamine use causes serious disturbances in sleep patterns from which several issues originate.
- The physical and psychological effects of methamphetamine contribute to sleep disturbance.
- Longer disturbance in sleep can lead to damage to health and degrade living standards.
- Addressing sleep issues from meth is an important part of recovery and overall well-being.
Healing Sleep in Meth Recovery
Methamphetamine can turn your sleep and health upside down, but there is hope.
You do not have to let meth and the sleep disturbances that come with its use define your life.
In fact, building a healthier sleep routine is actually a huge step toward feeling great both in body and mind.
So, if this struggle has taken over either you or a loved one, do not wait to ask for help.
Here at Cornerstone Healing Center, we offer a specialized meth addiction treatment program designed to help you break free from addiction while addressing the physical and emotional toll meth takes on your body—including disrupted sleep patterns.
With compassionate, personalized support, we’ll guide you toward lasting recovery so you can start fresh and find serenity once again.
Reach out today!
