If you’re going through opioid withdrawal, chances are you’re no stranger to the restless nights that come with it. Tossing and turning, staring at the ceiling, and feeling like sleep is just out of reach—withdrawal insomnia is one of the most frustrating symptoms of recovery. While your body is working hard to rebalance itself, your mind feels stuck in overdrive, making it nearly impossible to relax.
The truth is, opioid withdrawal insomnia doesn’t just leave you feeling physically drained; it can also take a toll on your emotional well-being. But here’s the good news: while sleepless nights might feel endless right now, they don’t last forever. Better yet, there are ways to manage this challenge and improve your chances of getting restful sleep as your body adjusts.
In this article, we’ll break down why opioid withdrawal causes insomnia, how long it lasts, and strategies to help you navigate this tough phase. Recovery isn’t easy, but every small step—like tackling those sleepless nights—brings you closer to reclaiming your health and peace of mind.
Why Does Opioid Withdrawal Cause Insomnia?
Insomnia during opioid withdrawal isn’t just frustrating—it’s a natural response to what’s happening inside your body. Opioids disrupt your brain’s chemistry, particularly the systems responsible for pain relief, pleasure, and even sleep regulation.
When you stop taking opioids, your body begins to rebalance, but that process can throw your sleep cycle completely off track.
Here’s what’s happening in your brain.
1. Hyperactive Nervous System
Opioids act as depressants, slowing down your body and calming the central nervous system. When opioids are removed, your body goes into overdrive, leaving you with:
- Racing thoughts.
- Increased heart rate.
- Restlessness.
This heightened state of alertness makes it nearly impossible to relax enough to fall asleep.
2. Anxiety and Emotional Turmoil
Withdrawal isn’t just physical—it’s emotional too. Many experience anxiety, depression, and irritability as their brain struggles to produce feel-good chemicals like dopamine naturally again. These feelings of unease can keep your mind racing, preventing you from settling into sleep.
3. Physical Symptoms of Withdrawal
Unfortunately, the physical discomfort of withdrawal can also be a major barrier to sleep. Symptoms like:
- Sweating and chills.
- Muscle pain or twitching.
- Stomach cramps and diarrhea.
These sensations can make staying in bed—and staying asleep—feel like a battle.
4. Disrupted Sleep-Wake Cycles
Opioids interfere with your natural circadian rhythm (your body’s internal clock). Long-term opioid use suppresses REM sleep—the deep, restorative stage of sleep. When you stop using opioids, your body struggles to restore its normal sleep cycle, leaving you stuck in lighter stages of sleep or struggling to fall asleep at all.
How Long Does Withdrawal Insomnia Last?
The duration of opioid withdrawal insomnia depends on several factors, including the type of opioid used, the length of use, and individual health conditions. Here’s a general timeline of what you can expect:
Acute Insomnia (Days 1–10)
During the first week of withdrawal, insomnia is usually at its worst. This is when physical withdrawal symptoms like nausea, sweating, and muscle pain are most intense, making sleep difficult to achieve.
Lingering Insomnia (Weeks 2–4)
After the first week, physical symptoms begin to subside, but sleep disturbances may persist. Many people struggle with falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up feeling unrefreshed. Emotional symptoms like anxiety and cravings can also interfere with sleep.
Post-Acute Withdrawal Insomnia (Months)
For some, insomnia lingers for weeks or months as part of Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS). This phase occurs as the brain slowly restores balance, working to regulate sleep, mood, and overall energy levels.
While this might feel discouraging, it’s important to know that insomnia eventually improves as your body heals. With the right strategies, you can support your sleep and recovery during this challenging time.
Tips to Manage Opioid Withdrawal Insomnia
Getting through opioid withdrawal insomnia can feel like an uphill battle, but these tips can help make the process more manageable:
1. Establish a Bedtime Routine
Creating a calming pre-sleep routine can help signal to your body that it’s time to wind down. Try:
- Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day.
- Avoiding screens (phones, TVs) an hour before bed to limit blue light exposure.
- Doing relaxing activities like reading, journaling, or taking a warm bath before sleep.
2. Create a Sleep-Friendly Environment
Your bedroom should be a space that promotes relaxation.
- Keep the room cool, dark, and quiet.
- Use blackout curtains or a sleep mask to block out light.
- Try a white noise machine or calming music to mask distracting sounds.
3. Stay Active During the Day
Gentle physical activity, like walking or yoga, can help tire your body and promote better sleep at night. Just avoid exercising too close to bedtime, as it can make it harder to wind down.
4. Eat and Drink Smart
What you consume during the day can impact your sleep.
- Avoid caffeine and nicotine, especially in the afternoon or evening.
- Stay hydrated, but limit fluids close to bedtime to avoid middle-of-the-night trips to the bathroom.
- Consider a soothing herbal tea, like chamomile, before bed.
5. Try Natural Sleep Aids
Some natural remedies may help you fall asleep during withdrawal:
- Melatonin: A supplement that regulates your body’s sleep-wake cycle.
- Magnesium: Known for its relaxing effects on muscles and nerves.
- Valerian Root or Chamomile Tea: Herbal remedies with calming properties.
Always consult with a healthcare provider before trying new supplements, especially during withdrawal.
6. Seek Professional Help
If insomnia becomes unmanageable or starts to interfere with your recovery, it’s time to seek professional support. Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), such as Suboxone, can reduce overall withdrawal symptoms, including insomnia, and improve your chances of long-term recovery.
How QuickMD Can Help
At QuickMD, we understand how challenging withdrawal can be, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Our licensed providers offer same-day telemedicine appointments to prescribe Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone), which can help stabilize your body, reduce cravings, and ease withdrawal symptoms—including insomnia.
Our approach is simple, discreet, and tailored to your needs. Whether you’re looking for help managing insomnia, physical symptoms, or the emotional toll of withdrawal, QuickMD provides compassionate care on your schedule.
You Deserve Rest—and Recovery
Opioid withdrawal insomnia is tough, but it’s a temporary phase on the path to recovery. By using strategies to support your sleep and seeking professional help when needed, you can ease the process and start feeling like yourself again.Ready to take the first step? Contact QuickMD today to get started with safe, effective treatment that helps you reclaim your health—and your rest.
