In the world of mental health and addiction treatment, co-occurring conditions often fly under the radar. One of the most overlooked pairings is the relationship between sleep disorders and substance abuse. This dual diagnosis presents unique challenges in treatment, yet it remains an under-discussed issue in many clinical and recovery settings.
Sleep is essential for both physical and mental health. It’s a time when the body repairs itself and the brain processes emotions and memories. However, for individuals battling substance use disorders, sleep is often anything but restful. From alcohol and stimulants to opioids and benzodiazepines, nearly every class of addictive substance can disrupt sleep in significant ways. On the flip side, those struggling with chronic sleep disturbances may turn to substances as a form of self-medication, setting the stage for addiction.
The Vicious Cycle of Sleep Disorders, Addiction, and Trauma
The connection between sleep disorders and addiction is deeply cyclical. For example, individuals with insomnia may use alcohol or sedatives to fall asleep. While these substances may offer short-term relief, they ultimately worsen sleep architecture and reduce sleep quality. Similarly, stimulant drugs like cocaine or methamphetamine disrupt the body’s natural sleep-wake cycles, leading to extended periods of wakefulness followed by crash periods—neither of which promotes healthy, restorative sleep.
The link between sleep disorders and trauma is also one to consider. Studies have shown a strong connection between trauma and addiction, but the relationship between trauma and sleep disorders must be examined as well. Sleep problems are a noted side effect of trauma.
When we use the word “trauma,” we mean an emotional response to a distressing event. These can happen at any time in life, though are particularly damaging in childhood, when they are known as ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experience). If you are looking for perspective on troubling experiences in your own childhood, consider taking an ACEs assessment.
For a person suffering from a triad of trauma, sleep disorders, and addiction, healing can seem far away. This is compounded by potential co-occurring trauma, or multiple traumas experienced at one time–some of which may be caused by addiction.
The relationships among trauma, sleep disorders, and addiction mean that treating one condition without addressing the others often leads to relapse or incomplete recovery.
Insomnia and Substance Abuse: A Common Yet Ignored Pair
Insomnia and substance abuse are often diagnosed independently, even though one frequently exacerbates the other. Studies show that insomnia is not only a symptom of withdrawal from many drugs but also a strong predictor of relapse. In fact, individuals in early recovery who continue to experience sleep disturbances are significantly more likely to return to substance use within the first few months of sobriety.
Unfortunately, many treatment centers still overlook sleep issues in the early stages of recovery, focusing more on detox and abstinence, without teaching the kind of practical self-soothing techniques that can prevent relapse. While detox management and abstinence are undeniably important, ignoring sleep can sabotage the recovery process and compromise long-term outcomes.
Substance Abuse Sleep Disorders: The Biological Link
To fully understand substance abuse sleep disorders, it’s important to consider the neurobiology behind both conditions. Substances like alcohol and benzodiazepines alter neurotransmitters in the brain that are also responsible for regulating sleep—namely, GABA, dopamine, and serotonin. When someone becomes dependent on these substances, their brain chemistry adapts, making it harder to achieve restful sleep without the drug.
Though they may seek opioid abuse treatment or go to marijuana rehab, if they don’t really understand the long-term effects of these substances on their brain chemistry and sleep patterns, they may never know how to fully heal.
Moreover, the brain’s natural circadian rhythms are disrupted by chronic substance use, especially in cases involving stimulants or inconsistent use patterns. This can lead to long-term insomnia, hypersomnia, nightmares, and even conditions like sleep apnea—all of which further complicate recovery.
Integrating Sleep into Addiction Treatment
Fortunately, there are ways to break the cycle of sleep disorders and addiction. A holistic drug rehab that addresses both conditions, alongside past trauma, has been shown to improve outcomes significantly. This includes cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), sleep hygiene education, and medication-assisted treatment when appropriate.
Mindfulness-based interventions, regular exercise, and structured routines can also help retrain the brain’s sleep cycles and restore natural rhythms. Importantly, any medications used to address sleep should be non-addictive and closely monitored by a healthcare professional.
Practical Strategies for Improving Sleep in Early Recovery
Because sleep disorders and substance abuse are so tightly intertwined, recovery requires intentional, structured support around rest and nervous system regulation. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, several evidence‑based strategies can significantly improve sleep quality during early sobriety. These tools not only support rest but also reduce relapse risk by stabilizing mood, lowering anxiety, and helping the brain relearn healthy rhythms.
Here are practical, research‑supported techniques that can help rebuild restorative sleep during recovery:
- Establish a consistent sleep schedule – Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day—even on weekends. Regularity strengthens the brain’s circadian system and supports hormonal balance.
- Create a sleep‑supportive nighttime routine- For at least 30 minutes before bed, transition into calming activities such as stretching, reading, or deep breathing to signal relaxation to the nervous system.
- Reduce stimulants such as caffeine, sugar, and nicotine- These substances are especially disruptive during early recovery, when the brain is already recalibrating its sleep–wake cycles.
- Practice mindfulness or grounding techniques- Meditation, guided imagery, or progressive muscle relaxation can help interrupt anxiety spirals that often intensify at night.
- Limit screen time before bed- Blue light suppresses melatonin production, making it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep. Consider blue‑light filters or screen‑free evenings.
- Use the bedroom only for sleep- This helps retrain the brain to associate the space with rest, not stress, work, or stimulation.
- Incorporate movement into your daytime routine- Walking, yoga, and moderate exercise can help reduce insomnia symptoms—especially for those recovering from stimulant or alcohol use.
- Keep a sleep journal- Tracking patterns, thoughts, and habits can reveal triggers for poor sleep and help clinicians personalize treatment.
- Explore non-addictive sleep supports with your care team- For some, supplements or prescribed non-habit-forming sleep aids may be helpful—especially when monitored by sleep‑informed clinicians.
By integrating these strategies into treatment, individuals learn how to regulate their physiology without substances—a skill that supports long-term sobriety, emotional balance, and overall well‑being.
Find Hope for Sleep Problems and Addiction Recovery at Sana at Stowe
The state-of-the-art, luxury residential treatment facilities at Sana at Stowe in rural Vermont can give you or a loved one the best possible start to a lifetime of recovery and freedom. If you are concerned about drug use related to sleep disorders, take our drug use screening test to gain some insight.
If you do decide to pursue treatment at Sana, know that our programs are trauma-informed. That means, tailored to your specific needs and goals. Download our addiction treatment guide to learn about the different offerings at Sana.
They are available to all, as well: Sana at Stowe offers medically-supervised detox and accepts insurance through in-network providers.
Consider the words of a former patient: “Sana has given me my life back.” If you are suffering from sleep disorders and addiction, do not hesitate to reach out to Sana at Stowe. A healed life is possible. Call Sana today at (802) 532-5277 to speak to one of our trained professionals.
