Fentanyl Sleep Effects
Fentanyl is a powerful opioid often prescribed to patients struggling with severe pain. It can be more effective in relieving pain than other opioid drugs, such as oxycodone, but it can also cause side effects, including sleep problems. This article will discuss how fentanyl affects your sleep and what you can do to get a good night’s sleep while taking this medication.
If you believe fentanyl affects your sleep, you should speak with a healthcare professional. Our team at Zinnia Health can help you manage your pain, sleep problems or opioid use disorder. We offer individualized treatment plans to help you get the best possible outcome. Contact us at (855) 430-9439 to learn more about our services.
What Is Fentanyl, and What Are Its Effects on the Body?
Fentanyl is one of the most potent synthetic opioids available for medical use. It is a Schedule II prescription drug, meaning it has a high potential for abuse. Fentanyl is available as an intravenous injection, fentanyl patch, lozenge, and nasal spray. When used as intended under medical supervision, fentanyl can be a safe and effective painkiller.
However, its extreme potency also means that fentanyl carries a high risk of addiction and accidental overdose when used illegally. Fentanyl binds to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord to reduce pain perception, and it can also produce feelings of euphoria and relaxation.
Side Effects of Fentanyl
Fentanyl substance abuse can cause several adverse effects, including:
- Sleepiness: This medication can make you very tired, making it hard to stay awake. If you take fentanyl, it is important not to drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
- Constipation: This medication can slow down your digestive system and make it difficult to have a bowel movement. You may experience abdominal pain, bloating, and gas if you are constipated.
- Nausea: This medication can cause you to vomit and feel nauseous. If you are feeling nauseous, it is essential to drink plenty of fluids and eat small, frequent meals.
- Respiratory depression: This medication can slow your breathing and even stop it altogether. If you are taking fentanyl, it is essential to be monitored closely by your doctor and never take more of this medication than prescribed.
How Does Fentanyl Affect Sleep?
Fentanyl’s effects on sleep are complex and not fully understood. Opioids cause drowsiness and can interfere with normal sleep architecture (the way REM, deep sleep, and light sleep are distributed throughout the night).
A list of factors that may contribute to sleep problems after taking fentanyl include:
- The medication’s chronic pain-relieving effects may make it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep
- Fentanyl can cause respiratory depression, interfering with normal breathing patterns and leading to restless sleep
- The medication’s psychoactive effects may produce vivid dreams or nightmares
- People struggling with addiction may have difficulty sleeping due to opioid withdrawal symptoms or drug cravings
Fentanyl has been shown to decrease the time spent in REM sleep. REM sleep is the stage of sleep when you dream and the brain is active. REM sleep is thought necessary for mood regulation, memory consolidation, and learning. Decreased REM sleep can lead to irritability, depression, and difficulty concentrating.
In addition, fentanyl drug use may disrupt the normal circadian rhythm or body clock. The circadian rhythm is a 24-hour cycle that regulates many biological processes, including sleep. When this cycle is disrupted, falling asleep and staying asleep can be challenging.
Sleep is essential for good physical and mental health. If your fentanyl addiction is causing you to have difficulty sleeping, it is vital to seek help from a medical professional. Zinnia Health’s addiction treatment programs offer individualized care that can address each patient’s unique needs. Contact us today at (855) 430-9439 to learn more about our services pertaining to drug abuse.
Tips to Get a Better Night’s Sleep
If you are taking fentanyl and having trouble sleeping, there are some things you can do to help yourself get a good night’s sleep.
- Take fentanyl only as your doctor prescribes: Too much fentanyl can increase the risk of sleep problems. If you are having trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor about whether you should adjust your dosage.
- Avoid taking other medications that can interfere with sleep: Medications such as stimulants or other opioids should be taken with caution to avoid the risk of drug overdose. Stimulants can make it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep. Other opioids can also cause drowsiness and disrupt normal sleep patterns.
- Establish a regular sleep schedule and stick to it as much as possible: Go to bed at the same time each night and get up at the same time each morning. Create a relaxing bedtime routine that will help you wind down before going to sleep. Avoid watching television or working on the computer in bed.
- Create a comfortable sleep environment: Make sure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool. Use comfortable sheets and pillows. Consider using a noise machine or earplugs to block out disruptive noise.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bedtime: Caffeine can make it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep. Alcohol may help you fall asleep initially, but it can disrupt standard sleep patterns and cause you to wake up feeling groggy.
- Taking other medications to improve sleep: Many medications can help improve sleep. Talk to your doctor about whether sleep medication is right for you. Some common sleep medications include Zolpidem (Ambien), Eszopiclone (Lunesta), Ramelteon (Rozerem), and Doxepin (Silenor).
If you are taking fentanyl and have trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor about ways to improve your sleep. You can do many things to get a good night’s sleep while taking this medication. You can get the rest you need and feel your best with a little effort.
If you are abusing fentanyl, it is necessary that you get help for fentanyl addiction as soon as possible. Fentanyl is one of the most dangerous drugs available.
What Are the Symptoms of Fentanyl-Induced Sleep Problems?
The most common symptom of fentanyl-induced sleep problems is difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.
Other symptoms may include:
- Irritability
- Depression
- Difficulty concentrating
- Daytime fatigue
- Chronic insomnia
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor. They can help you determine if your sleep problems are due to fentanyl use and make treatment recommendations.
How Zinnia Health Can Help
If you take fentanyl and are having trouble sleeping, our team at Zinnia Health can help. We offer a variety of services that can help improve sleep, including:
- Individualized treatment options: We will work with you to create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
- Medication management: We can help you manage your medications and ensure you take them as prescribed. Our team may also give a patient naloxone or methadone to treat cases of fentanyl overdose.
- Therapy: We offer therapy services that can help you cope with the challenges of fentanyl use and improve your sleep.
- Holistic care: We offer various holistic care and wellness services that can help improve your sleep, including yoga and meditation.
At Zinnia Health, we understand the challenges of living with fentanyl use, and we are here to help you get the treatment you need to improve your sleep and improve your well-being. Contact us today at (855) 430-9439 or visit our site to learn more about our services.
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