There’s nothing quite like a good night’s rest. Once you’ve drifted off into dreamland, your body and mind can recharge and help you wake up feeling energized and ready for the day ahead. However, many people need a little extra help getting to sleep. This is where prescription and nonprescription sleep aids come in handy.
But can you get addicted to sleeping pills if you have an opioid use disorder (OUD)?
The short answer is yes. If those medications aren’t properly managed, people with OUD who need help going to sleep can develop a sleeping pill addiction. At Groups, we know how important rest is for our members’ mental and physical well-being. In this article, we’ll explore how having OUD puts you at risk for a sleep aid addiction, common sleeping pill addiction symptoms, and the medications that may be safe for you to use in OUD treatment.
Why is someone with OUD at a higher risk for sleeping pill addiction?
Sleeping problems are common symptoms of many disorders, including substance use disorders (SUDs). In fact, research shows that more than 75% of people with OUD experience poor sleep quality. But if opioids like fentanyl, hydrocodone, and morphine can make you feel drowsy, how can they make it harder to sleep at night?
Studies show that opioid use and sleep have a bidirectional relationship. This means that one problem feeds into the other, creating an unhealthy cycle. Here is what this research tells us:
Opioids can disrupt your sleep pattern.
Sleep happens in four stages: three non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep phases and one rapid eye movement (REM) sleep phase. You transition from light to deep sleep in NREM, and REM is the stage where you dream. Your body runs through these phases multiple times each night (about every 90 minutes) as part of a healthy sleep cycle.
Some opioids suppress NREM and REM sleep, which increases wakefulness. So when you take opioids, you may spend less time in each phase. Even if your drug tolerance builds and some of those effects lessen, you might still experience some form of sleep disruption.
Poor sleep affects opioid risk.
When you don’t get enough sleep, you might be more sensitive to pain. This can happen whether you have insomnia or your sleep just isn’t as restful as it should be. This particular side effect of poor sleep may increase your desire to start using again.
It’s also worth noting that the symptoms of withdrawal, everyday stressors, and other things going on in your life can affect your sleep quality, too. So even after you’ve stopped using, you might still exhibit poor sleep patterns.
Someone with OUD who’s having trouble sleeping may find themselves increasingly dependent on sleep aids. After all, everyone needs sleep to feel mentally and physically well. If you find that you can’t go to sleep or stay asleep without medication, this could lead to an addiction.
Sleeping pill addiction symptoms
As helpful as sleeping pills are for combating sleep-related issues, most are only intended for short-term use. Plus, the type of sleep medication that you take can affect your risk. Just like painkillers, some are considered more addictive than others. The signs of sleeping pill addiction include:
- Needing increased doses to sleep better
- Memory loss or confusion
- Sleeping pill cravings
- Visiting multiple doctors to get sleep aid prescriptions
- Withdrawal symptoms (insomnia) when you stop taking them
If you’ve noticed these signs in yourself or a loved one, discuss your concerns with a professional ASAP. They can help you recover from this type of addiction and learn other best practices for better rest.
What sleep aids can be used in OUD treatment?
Even while in OUD treatment, many people can safely take certain types of sleep aids. Talking to your provider is the first step of this process. They can work with you to figure out which sleep aids are ideal for your situation based on your health, addiction history, and other factors. For example, here are a few sleep aids that some people can take while in OUD treatment:
Mirtazapine (Remeron)
Mirtazapine is usually prescribed to treat depression because it helps balance chemicals in the brain, like serotonin (a mood regulator). However, it can be used off-label to help you sleep better thanks to its ability to induce drowsiness.
Hydroxyzine (Atarax, Vistaril)
Hydroxyzine is an antihistamine that’s usually used to treat anxiety and allergies. But providers can also prescribe this medication to help you sleep.
Suvorexant (Belsomra)
Suvorexant is a prescription sleep aid designed to help people with insomnia. Studies are still ongoing, but evidence shows that this drug may help people with opioid use disorder sleep better.
Trazodone (Desyrel, Oleptro, Raldesy)
Trazodone is another antidepressant that can be used off-label as a sleep aid. It’s typically used to treat depression and anxiety, but has a sedative effect that’s beneficial for those with sleep disorders. However, it’s not recommended as first-line for insomnia and should be considered only in certain cases. There’s also a risk of QT prolongation, impacting the heart’s electrical activity.
Alternatively, your provider may recommend an over-the-counter (OTC) medication or supplements, like melatonin, that you can pick up at your local pharmacy.
Are there negative interactions between OUD medications and sleep aids?
Suboxone is compatible with many sleep aids. However, one medication to use with caution is diphenhydramine. It’s an antihistamine and a sleep aid found in many common OTC medicines, such as:
- Benadryl
- ZzzQuil
- Tylenol PM
- Advil PM
If you’re taking Suboxone for OUD, you might experience increased grogginess or confusion. If you’re taking methadone for OUD, diphenhydramine could also cause dizziness or slowed breathing. Be sure to ask your provider before continuing these medications or taking them for the first time, especially if you’re in the middle of OUD treatment.
Each sleep aid works differently, and it’s important to know how your medication works. This includes possible side effects and any adverse interactions it might have with the OUD medication you’re currently taking.
Why is sleep so important during OUD treatment and beyond?
Once your eyes close, your body doesn’t just power down for the night like your computer. Sleep actually helps you stay healthy. During the night, your brain consolidates your memories. Your body also uses this time to reinforce your cardiovascular and immune systems and regulate your metabolism. Plus, getting the recommended amount of sleep is associated with better mental health. It helps lower your stress levels, regulate your emotions, reduce fatigue, and much more. Sleeping well also helps your body combat common mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety.
Your journey toward addiction recovery and better health isn’t always going to be easy, but getting a good night’s rest can help. Here are some tips for getting more rest:
- Stick to a regular sleep-wake schedule to help keep your body on track.
- Create a relaxing bedtime routine to help yourself wind down each night.
- Exercise during the day, so your body is ready for rest on time.
- Make your bedroom as cozy and comfortable as possible.
- Avoid screens and any apps that might stress you out right before bed.
- Make reading part of your evening routine.
Individually, small steps like these may not seem as powerful as a sleeping pill. But together, they can reinforce the healthy habits and routines you’re striving for in recovery.
Connect with Groups for compassionate OUD care
Groups provides comprehensive, compassionate treatment for people experiencing OUD, which includes sleep care. If you’re having problems sleeping while in treatment, we can prescribe medications, like hydroxyzine and mirtazapine, to help you get more rest as you work toward your goals.
Give our Recovery Support Specialists a call today at 888-858-1723 for more information or to begin your recovery. We provide treatment across the country — and we’re always expanding. See if we offer care in your state, either online or at one of our 130+ local offices. If Groups doesn’t offer treatment in your area, you can locate other treatment options here.
