The biggest hurdle for me has always been sleep. I've known for years I need to stop relying on alcohol but the fear of being unable to sleep has always prevented me in the past. But I need to do this. Any tips on helping me sleep in sobriety?
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@friendly_cactus_986 I have struggled with sleep for years myself, and someone recommended the Calm app. I love the "sleep stories" option because it gives my mind something to really focus on! Another friend recommended these guided meditations from UCLA: https://www.uclahealth.org/marc/mindful-meditations. This has been a helpful free resource as well!
Hi @friendly_cactus_986 ! Toootally get this. My first bit of sobriety, it felt like a self-fulfilling prophecy (I'm not going to sleep without alcohol, so then I don't sleep without alcohol). Once I got out of my head and started poking around for advice in my sober community, I found that essential oils (lavender for me) behind my ears or on an eye mask and "sleepy time tea" with milk saved my LIFE. Hope this helps :)
Not sleeping or not fully going to sleep is a big problem today, especially in these stressful times.
In fact, not being able to sleep was the 3rd most googled topic during the pandemic - reported by a non-profit data company - The Hustle, a daily news media source.
As I work in the sleep disorder sector one of the main factors that negatively effects sleep and REM sleep is alcohol. In fact, if you have sleep apnea (a disorder where you stop breathing) alcohol compounds the issue. I recommend anyone having sleep issues and has symptoms of sleep apnea please seek advice from a professional, as sleep apnea will kill you if it goes untreated.
For those who are looking for better sleep, there is a new product over the counter safe (non-addictive) sleep aid that is now available is gaining popularity.
It is called REMFRESH - and you can learn more at: https://www.remfresh.com/product/remfresh-5mg-extra-strength/
I do not sell this product, it can be purchased at any CVS/Walgreens or other participating drug store.
I have sleep apnea, sleep with a CPAP and use this product to help me sleep and get the rest I need, when I cannot fall asleep naturally. Getting sober is hard enough, this has helped me with no side effects.