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Post Info TOPIC: Sleeping problems


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Sleeping problems


I wanted to put this problem out to the group. My daughter has been an alcoholic since she was a teenager, going to multiple rehabs, and having periods of recovery usually lasting about a year or two. She has always had sleeping problems, even as a child, only sleeping 4 or 5 hours a night, and being restless throughout. As an adult, it has gotten worse, and I'm wondering if her alcoholism is part of the reason she's now having trouble even falling asleep at all. She was very emotional because of lack of sleep, so she went to a sleep disorder clinic, who told her she didn't have a problem, and she should be able to take melatonin and listen to music to fall asleep. Has anyone here had a person in recovery who has gone through sleeping problems? 



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Bo


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My ex is an alcoholic -- as her drinking got worse, she had more and more trouble sleeping, in many ways. So, yes, I've heard of sleeping problems, for both alcoholics and people in recovery.

That said, I don't think someone could be in recovery for a few weeks, even a few months, and their sleep problems just disappear. I think it takes time. That's my experience and I've spoken with professionals about this as well as my ex went through a lot of this.



-- Edited by Bo on Monday 18th of March 2019 08:37:51 AM

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Buckeye Girl - I am very much like your daughter....I have never slept well even as a child. It has also gotten worse as I have aged, and I average 5+ hours per night. For me, the disease (I am a double winner) did not adversely affect my sleep - it actually helped it greatly as I would drink (drug) until I crashed.

My oldest son is the same way - doesn't sleep well and doesn't handle it well. I have just learned, as with so many things, to accept it and take rests when I need them. I've never heard of an A that has sleeping problems when active, but have heard of them with early recovery. Like me, they self-medicated with substances to get sleep as well as deal with many other life issues.

I was far more emotional in early sobriety than before I arrived there and it had more to do with no longer numbing myself instead of the sleep - while the lack of sleep did not help it, I am not sure it was the primary driver. I was bothered by this greatly when my kids were small as I knew I would have more patience if I would just get more sleep - and the more I wanted/needed it, the more anxiety I caused myself which affected my sleep even more.

I have not ever taken anything to sleep simply because I know myself well enough that I could easily abuse it....the mind of an alcoholic suggests if one is suggested, two or three will be awesome! If she's in recovery, she should talk with her sponsor - they might be able to help her brainstorm ideas for better sleep/rest. (((Hugs)))

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My experience with addicts in general is there is a tremendous amount of anxiety involved, that's part of that initial self medication. It is also related to sleeping issues too.

One thing I would be curious is would she be open to trying a weighted blanket? I have one, my son has one and I have to tell you it helps a great deal. I am not a good sleeper in general I think mine is stress and age related .. we won't talk about the lack of exercise .. lol.

It's not going to cure anything however there is a HUGE difference in getting 6 hours of solid sleep and going for 2 weeks on 3 hours or less a night.

Hugs S :)

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a4l


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This is familiar to me. I've observed it in alcoholic loved ones who average 4-5 hours sleep and still function. Occasionally they crash but sleep doesn't seem to figure in the list of priorities on a daily basis. Me, I can't function without it and when I try, it's not pretty. I do get bouts of insomnia. I just can't seem to switch my brain off. Sleep and sleep behavior is habitual I bekeive and your daughters sleep routines sound like a long standing habit. I wonder what her thoughts and associations are around sleep? Maybe changing those to healthy loving self caring beleifs and finding ways to support those beliefs could help? Best to you both.

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I am also a dozer and deep sleep for me isn't very usual.  I don't know if it has anything to do with my drinking or relationship with my alcoholics and addicts yet I experience it all of the time like right now even.  It might have  something to do with my hyper anxiousness which often keeps me alert.  I don't know and rather sleep soundly than longly...just for me.   At times I will use sleep aids and at other times I don't know any way else to do it.  confuse



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Jerry F
Bo


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Not to turn this into a medical or scientific discussion, but it is amazing how many things can impact sleep, and how many things sleep can impact.


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Bo

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God, grant me the serenity...to accept the PEOPLE I cannot change...the courage to change the ONE I can...and the wisdom to know it's ME...

 

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