Getting quality sleep at night is imperative for your health, both mentally and physically. When an individual seeks recovery via medically assisted treatment (MAT), sleep plays a crucial role in the recovery process. It is essential for individuals prescribed Suboxone to understand the potential effects on their sleep and how to address any sleep-related issues that may arise.

Struggling to Sleep in Recovery? You are Not Alone!

Restlessness can lead to feelings of isolation, increase potential for frustration, and impact daily life. AOC is here to remind you that you are not alone and can continue on the path of recovery despite the insomnia you may experience. According to a survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) focusing on individuals in recovery from substance abuse, sleep challenges are both common and disruptive. The findings highlight just how widespread these issues can be:

• 35.3% of survey respondents sleep less than 7 hours a day
• 48% of survey respondents snore
• 37.9% of survey respondents fall asleep unintentionally throughout the day

The Link Between Sleep Apnea and Suboxone Treatment

There has been plenty of research that has suggested that using opioids for an extended period can present a risk for developing sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that disrupts breathing patterns throughout an individual’s sleep cycle. Since Suboxone contains a partial opioid agonist, it is important to question if it has the same effect on sleep. According to Oxford University Press, researchers concluded that there is a possible link between sleep apnea and the use of Suboxone.

How to Sleep Better During Suboxone Treatment

From what we discussed earlier, it is no secret that there is a correlation between poor sleep and Suboxone treatment. There are ways to navigate restlessness to ensure relapse does not occur. Follow these few steps for better sleep health:

• Develop a Routine for Your Bedtime: Set a time to wind down and be diligent about resting every night at the same time.
• Put Away the Screen: Try winding down by reading a book or journaling and turn off the bright lights and screens in the room.
• Practice Self-Care: Brush your teeth, take a shower, or wash your face. Give your body a signal that it is time to start slowing down.
• Avoid Eating Later at Night: Shift your dinnertime meal to hours before bed instead of minutes before bedtime. Eating close to bedtime has a strong correlation to sleep disturbance.
• Stop Smoking: Nicotine is a stimulant that can disrupt sleeping patterns.
• Exercise: Movement can promote better quality sleep and can make falling asleep easier.
• Avoid Naps: Napping throughout the day can trick the mind into not wanting to rest at night.

Where to Seek Support for Opioid Addiction Recovery

Finding a local rehab center that provides medically assisted treatment? Addiction Outreach Clinic serves individuals throughout Ohio and Pennsylvania. Our specialists are trained to help you navigate the struggles of withdrawal, including insomnia. Contact us today to take the next step in your recovery.