Insomnia and Addiction | Links, Symptoms & Treatment

When asked to define insomnia, most people incorrectly state that it’s simply the inability to sleep. However, there are actually many different types of insomnia that a person can experience:

• Onset insomnia: Difficulty falling asleep at the start of the night, often related to stress, anxiety, or an irregular sleep schedule.
• Maintenance insomnia: Trouble staying asleep, with frequent waking during the night and difficulty falling back asleep, which can be due to conditions like sleep apnea, chronic pain, or an overactive mind.
• Behavioural Insomnia of Childhood (BIC): Affects children and involves difficulty falling or staying asleep, often related to poor sleep habits or bedtime resistance.
• Idiopathic insomnia: A lifelong struggle with insomnia that begins in childhood and continues into adulthood without a clear cause.
• Paradoxical insomnia: Individuals believe they are experiencing severe insomnia without objective evidence of sleep disturbance, perceiving their sleep as much worse than it is measured to be.

The various types of insomnia highlight the complexity of this disorder and how easily it can be undiagnosed. Each type presents differently, making it challenging to recognise and properly address, often leading to prolonged suffering without proper treatment.

When determining the cause of insomnia, we must first look at the type of insomnia present: acute or chronic.

Acute insomnia is short-term and often triggered by stress or sudden changes in routine, lasting days to weeks. Chronic insomnia, however, is long-term, persisting for months or longer and often linked to underlying health issues or lifestyle factors. Understanding the causes of both can help in managing and treating this common condition.

Insomnia and addiction are often interconnected, with each condition potentially worsening the other. This can lead to increased severity of symptoms for both. When a person has both insomnia and addiction simultaneously, it is referred to as a dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorder. Recognising this link is crucial for effective treatment, as both issues need to be addressed concurrently.

The relationship between insomnia and addiction mirrors the classic chicken and egg dilemma. In cases of co-occurring disorders, it’s often unclear which came first, as each condition can lead to the other. Insomnia can drive individuals to substance use for relief, while addiction can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to insomnia. In the following sections, we take a closer look at both sides of the coin:

Insomnia leading to addiction

Insomnia can often pave the way to addiction, as the struggle to achieve restful sleep drives individuals to seek relief from substances. This phenomenon has been documented well in literature research over the years, with insomnia being identified as a risk factor for a person developing an SUD.

For instance, someone who has difficulty falling asleep might turn to alcohol, thinking a nightcap will help them relax. Initially, it might work, but over time, they may find themselves needing more to get the same effect, leading to dependency.

Similarly, prescription medications like sleeping pills can be a slippery slope. What starts as a legitimate solution can become an addiction if the person begins to misuse the medication, taking higher doses or using it more frequently than prescribed.

Struggling with both insomnia and addiction can be overwhelming. At Linwood House, we understand the unique challenges of dealing with insomnia symptoms alongside addiction. Our specialised insomnia and addiction rehab programme is here to help you regain control and find restful and sober sleep again.

If these two issues are impacting your life, reach out to us today. Together, we can tackle addiction and insomnia, bringing you one step closer to a healthier, happier you. Contact Linwood House now and start your journey to recovery.