Recovering from tobacco addiction, like recovery from any addiction, is a healing process that can be strengthened or hindered by other health factors. One key aspect in overall wellness is sleep. When compared with things like diet and exercise, sleep is often just and afterthought; however, it is surprisingly important for health, fitness, and recovery. Better sleep patterns can improve mood, increase energy, balance metabolism, promote healing, enhance cardio-respiratory function, and support the development of new neural pathways.
Better sleep will help throughout the recovery process. Through the initial efforts to achieve and stabilize abstinence, Improving sleep can help strengthen one’s reserves for managing craving and for crafting and enacting activities that can replace smoking. In early recovery, sleep affords opportunity for the many healthy changes that are happening throughout the mind and body to take root and grow. Throughout the later months and years of tobacco free living good sleep hygiene provides a foundation to fully enjoy all the benefits of a better quality of life.
Developing better sleep habits takes some planning, but the effort can be refreshingly fruitful. Mayo Clinic can help you get started. Sweet dreams!
Michael V. Burke, Ed.D
Program Director and NDC Counselor/ CTTS
