Why Can’t I Sleep While Sober?
Many people withalcohol use disordersalso have sleep problems.
If you drink to excess, even occasionally, you have probably experienced sleep problems.
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Such problems can persist for some time even after you decide to quit drinking.
In fact, difficulty sleeping is one of the most commonalcohol withdrawal symptomsand one that causes many to relapse.
This article discusses how alcohol affects sleep and the disruptions you might continue to experience after you quit drinking.
It also explores why you might feel like you might’t sleep sober and what you might do to cope.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Daytime sleepiness, reduced concentration, irritability, and other symptoms can then result.
Unfortunately, recovery and abstinence are more challenging if you aren’t able to get enough good-quality sleep.
Sleep problems are often viewed as one of the last things to improve among people in alcohol recovery.
It is also a symptom that poses a significant risk for relapse.
Medication
There are many medications used to treat insomnia, includingbenzodiazepineand nonbenzodiazepine medications.
There are also some relapse-prevention medications that can help promote sleep.
These are changes you might make to your environment and routine to help promote sleep.
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If you are experiencing sleep problems, be sure to talk to your doctor about your options.
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