So, what is the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear terms like-
Causes of addiction!
Yes, we can already guess – It is,
- Peer Pressure.
- Wrong crowd.
- Mental Health issues.
- Past traumas.
These are some of the common denominators that we often relate to when we hear the term addiction.
However, did you know that there is something called addiction that can be caused by sleep deprivation?
According to psychology, insomnia is one of the common causes of addiction.
An addiction is either caused because of boredom or the fact that one is desperate and would try out anything to fall asleep.
If you are someone who is dealing with sleep deprivation and finding yourself binging on snacks, or taking a prescription pill more often than not on frequent nights, then you might have an issue.
Thus, you have reached the right place; as in this excerpt below, we will be discussing the different addictions which are caused because of insomnia.
You might also need family therapy for this addiction recovery. & How you will get rid of them by maintaining a healthy sleep pattern. Maintaining a healthy sleep pattern is very important, and you might just need to learn how to get your sleep cycle in check. Even if you do not suffer from an addiction!
Table of Contents
What Is Sleep Deprivation?
Sleep deprivation on paper means you cannot sleep no matter how tired you are. You are either a light sleeper, or you are unable to get the appropriate amount of sleep that is required in a day.
All in all, if it is a weekday and you are already exhausted from all the work and yet you are not unable to close your eyes and just drift into the deepest slumber, then you suffer from sleep deprivation. Now, if this continues for months on end, you should check with the doctor and see if you have insomnia. Then why is it related to addiction?
How Sleep Deprivation Is Related To Insomnia
Here are some of the ways in which you could be dealing with insomnia, and that can fuel some of the other addictions. When you are sleep-deprived, there are two things that you do.
– Trying to cut the boredom.
– Become desperate and try to do anything to fall back asleep.
This can lead to a few addictions.
1. Internet Addiction
In order to cut through the boredom and the monotony of the night, many individuals find solace on the internet.
In the online world!
They can either be talking to a stranger or endlessly scrolling through the same social media application again and again.
This could lead t6o internet addiction that might even continue in the morning.
2. Marijuana Addiction
Marijuana addiction is something that we have all heard about!
If you did not know, the CBD in the cannabis plant could help you sleep better. However, if someone is consuming CBD along with THC (the one which has psychedelic effects), they can get addicted to it.
But, someone desperate in trying to get their sleep schedule back might take solace in marijuana addiction.
3. Prescription Drug Addiction
When we talk about desperation to get back to sleep, we have also seen people getting addicted to prescribed pills and even opioids to help them get to sleep.
Insomnia is dangerous and should be taken seriously.
4. Binge Eating Addiction
Again something caused by the constant boredom of not having anything to do but tossing and turning.
Nightimes can make you more hungry, and if someone gives in to that temptation, they can easily fall prey to binge eating addiction. And, this can cost further health issues.
How To Achieve A Healthy Sleeping Pattern
Here are some of the expert suggested ways in which you could incorporate a healthy sleeping pattern in your life.
1. Seek Therapy
Sleep deprivation is not something that just happens.
There are definitely some underlying issues that you are failing to see. These could be stress or even mental health issues like depression and anxiety. This is why what you need is therapy.
This is where you will be addressing all the underlying issues and resolving them one by one with the help of a professional.
2. Do Not Sleep In The Afternoon
Try not to take afternoon naps!
This can disrupt your sleep cycle and make you less sleepy at night. At night, you should be absolutely exhausted; only that will help you reach that point of deep slumber.
3. Have A Healthy Diet
There is a lot you can achieve with a healthy diet.
Having a good night’s sleep is just one of them. For example, you can incorporate antioxidants and fiber into your dinner.
Plus, avoid food like cheese and chocolates, which can get you more excited.
4. Physical Exercise Or Yoga
Yes, having a run after dinner or doing some night yoga which is appropriate after dinner, is a great way to fall asleep.
They help you calm your nerves and get rid of some of the chaotic thoughts which might prevent you from sleeping.
5. Have An Electronic Time
Do not consume electronics and be online all the time!
Have time for that!
For example, when you come home after a long day of staring at the screen. Ensure that you switch off your mobile phones and simply enjoy the quietness of the night.
6. Have A Sleep Routine
Having a sleep routine is very important for anyone who wants to be productive in their job.
This means maintaining rigidity! When the clock strikes 11, you switch off your lights; put down everything you were doing, and close your eyes. It is like preparing for a good sleep!
7. Avoid Caffeine
No, we are not asking you to avoid caffeine indefinitely! However, try to avoid any kind of caffeinated beverage after 4o clock in the afternoon.
This will prevent you from getting less excited and not ruin your sleep.
Good Night!
If you are planning on getting a goodnight’s sleep, remember not everything is your stress level.
Something depends on you! Maybe you are consuming too much phone or having caffeine at the wrong time, so stop that first.
