If you have insomnia during detox, you are not alone. Insomnia is a common withdrawal symptom that occurs regardless of what substance you are detoxing from. The reason you cannot sleep during detox is the sudden disruption in the addiction. The body is flushing the toxins out and beginning the healing process. This can disrupt every organ and system in your body.

Drug and alcohol detox centers like Liberty Bay Recovery Center offer medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and comfortable facilities so that you can rest as much as possible. They also offer ongoing supervision and emergency care so that you do not have to feel alone during detox. However, there are some other things you can do if you are experiencing insomnia.

Tips for Managing Insomnia During Detox

Here are some things you can do if you cannot sleep during detox.

Put the Clock Away

The detox timeline typically lasts between seven and 14 days. When you are going through withdrawal symptoms, a week can seem like a lifetime. However, there is little you can do to speed up the process. Watching the clock every five minutes is likely to create more anxiety and stress. During detox, your daily schedule is expected to be wide open. So, you do not have to worry about looking at the clock all day and all night. 

Try to Stay Physically Active

It is not necessary to start your exercise program during detox. The first few days of detox may drain you of all your energy. However, you may want to stay as active as possible during the day. Your addiction rehab program may provide facilities and activities that can keep you busy. The more activity you can maintain during the day, the better you will sleep at night.

Avoid Spending All Your Time in Your Bedroom

If you want to prevent insomnia during detox, then try to stay out of your bedroom during the day. Avoiding your bedroom conditions your brain to prepare for sleep when you finally do go to bed. If you want to read, work on your computer, or talk on your cell phone, then try to go outside or somewhere else in the addiction treatment center while receiving addiction treatment services.

Take Short Naps

You are naturally going to feel exhausted while going through withdrawal symptoms. However, to avoid insomnia during detox, try to limit your naps to 30 minutes or less. Longer naps will drain your energy throughout the day. You may also find that you cannot sleep during detox at night. Ideally, you want to take power naps that only last 15 to 20 minutes.

Watch Your Diet

What you eat (or do not eat) before you go to bed can affect how much sleep you get. Never go to bed on an empty stomach. You may become hungry, which will disrupt your ability to fall also. Also, avoid drinking too much before you go to bed. You may have to use the restroom several times, which can also disrupt your sleep. Keep away from foods that contain caffeine or lots of sugars. They will keep you awake.

Establish a Sleep Routine

When you first start a detox, things may seem chaotic. The more structured your program is, the more likely you are to prevent insomnia during detox. So, establish a sleep routine and commit to a regular schedule. Getting regular sleep is vital for setting your body’s internal clock and getting you back on track after addiction.

Contact Liberty Bay to Start Your Detox Program

With the right treatment plan, you can avoid insomnia during detox. Liberty Bay can help you get through detox so that you can begin your road to recovery. Contact Liberty Bay at (855) 607-8758 to find out more about our Portland, Maine opiate detox center. We are here to help you break the cycle of addiction.