Heroin and Sleep Issues
Drug use has many impacts across our physical spectrum. Some seem quite dire (rightfully so), and others might feel a bit less severe. One symptom that some might be quick to dismiss is insomnia. But ignoring sleep issues can have bigger effects than one might realize. Let’s look at some of the effects of heroin and explore the connection between heroin and insomnia.
Heroin and Where It Comes From
Heroin is a drug made from morphine that is derived from opium poppy plants. It is a highly addictive drug most popular among young adults between 18-25 years. It is classified pharmacologically as an opioid. Being an opioid, it binds to opioid receptors in the brain, stimulating dopamine release. This neurotransmitter plays a role in the reward and motivation system. The euphoria is followed by relaxation and pain relief.
Short-term Effects of Heroin
Apart from the surge of pleasure, some other short-term effects of heroin use include:
- Warm flushing of the skin and severe itching
- Dry mouth
- Nausea and vomiting
- Clouded mental function
- Drowsiness
- Slowed breathing
Long-term Effects
Studies have shown that chronic use of heroin leads to a decrease in the brain’s white matter leading to poor decision-making. Tolerance and dependence are also associated with long-term use where the body adapts to the drug, and withdrawal may occur when intake is reduced. In this case, a heroin addiction treatment center becomes necessary. Symptoms of withdrawal include:
- Restlessness
- Muscle and bone pain
- Diarrhea and vomiting
- Cold flushes and goosebumps
- Insomnia
How Does Heroin Make It Hard to Sleep?
Heroin use contributes to sleep disorders, ranging from extreme drowsiness to insomnia or a combination of both. Insomnia is a sleep disorder where one has difficulties falling asleep and maintaining sleep. It can either be acute, lasting a few nights, or chronic, occurring at least three nights per week.
Research shows that heroin and other abused drugs produce cells that antagonize the chemical substances that cause sleep in the body. They also affect the circadian rhythm, which is responsible for our sleep patterns. Other ways in which sleep is affected include:
- Reducing sleep quality
- It affects the ability to experience the different stages of sleep
- Exacerbating mental health issues makes sleep even more difficult
Heroin and Insomnia Bigger Picture
Basically, if you are on heroin, you are getting poor sleep. By itself it is actually quite a problem. But if you have a substance use disorder, the issue is compounded. Staying awake at night, staring at the ceiling while being preoccupied with an addictive substance is not a good combination.
Beyond that, a cranky, anxious, emotionally frustrated (all symptoms of sleep deprivation) person with an addiction can become quickly unstable. Depression may be close at hand and all this stems from exhaustion.
Once again, add in the dangerous need to fulfill a desire for heroin, and the results are amongst the worst available.
The seemingly trite symptom of sleep deprivation from heroin and insomnia belies deep and profound issues.
With reduced sleep, individuals will experience more fatigue and want to use higher doses of heroin or even turn to other drugs to try and relax. Apart from fatigue, one might experience anxiety, emotional instability, and a compromised immune system leading to illnesses.
Recovery for Better Sleep
This is a bigger issue than it seems. And as silly as it may sound compared to all the other dangerous complications that come from drug abuse, you need some sleep. It is foundational to what it means to be human. It is one of the building blocks of health that influences your mental and physical stability.
Of course, it’s easy to say. If your insomnia is a result of dependency on an addictive substance, you will need drug or alcohol treatment. To get your sleep back you may have to first get to the roots of your addiction and find deeper healing.
But just think of it. That restful night of sleep. Finally free. Able to move forward. There is no overstating the value that will be.
