Suboxone Sleep Effects
Suboxone combines buprenorphine and naloxone to help those recovering from opioid addiction detox with fewer withdrawal symptoms.
One of the side effects of addiction treatment using Suboxone is poor sleep, but there are more serious sleep-related risks you should be aware of. Taking Suboxone could result in the development of certain sleep disorders, such as insomnia.
Are you or a loved one struggling with an opioid addiction? Suboxone is just one treatment option. Zinnia Health can offer the guidance you need to recover. Call us at (855) 430-9439 for more information.
Why Does Suboxone Affect Your Sleep?
Suboxone was created to help those recovering from opioid use disorder. For instance, someone addicted to fentanyl may be prescribed Suboxone during treatment because it decreases the uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms that occur during detox.
Common side effects of opioid withdrawal include chronic pain, and since Suboxone can reduce these sensations, it makes recovery easier. However, how Suboxone interacts with the brain can contribute to sleeping problems.
Suboxone contains buprenorphine, which is a partial opioid agonist, meaning it tricks the brain into feeling like it received a full dose of opioids.
Naloxone (the other drug in Suboxone) blocks activity at the opioid receptors to prevent a person from experiencing the addictive, euphoric feelings associated with opioid use.
Any drug that interacts with the opioid receptors can lead to sleep disruption. In fact, sleeping problems are now considered a significant side effect of chronic opioid use.
What Sleep Problems Can Suboxone Cause?
Suboxone can disrupt sleep like any other opioid. The good news is that how opioids impact sleep is widely studied. The side effects of Suboxone may be most noticeable when you first start taking it since you will be transitioning off other substances.
The opioid withdrawal process can lead to changes in how you feel, which will likely be caused by a number of different variables, such as the other treatments and therapies you’re participating in.
We do know that Suboxone is directly linked to significant differences in how individuals sleep.
Suboxone can lead to sleep problems, such as:
- Reduced sleep quality from trouble falling asleep and/or waking up throughout the night
- Changes in sleep architecture and efficiency, meaning you will spend less time in the deep stages of sleep, known as rapid eye movement (REM) sleep
- Drowsiness throughout the day, which can contribute to feelings of anxiety, depression, paranoia, and other psychological symptoms of withdrawal
Opioid-induced insomnia could create a frustrating cycle. However, Suboxone is considered one of the most effective opioid therapies to help combat the intense cravings and symptoms that accompany withdrawal, detox, and recovery.
For this reason, effectively managing any sleeping problems caused by Suboxone is worthwhile.
Are you looking for more information about Suboxone and medication-assisted treatment? Zinnia Health can help. Call us anytime at (855) 430-9439 to discuss your treatment options in a confidential phone call.
Are Sleep Problems Caused by Suboxone Dangerous?
While changes in your sleeping habits caused by Suboxone may be uncomfortable, they are only dangerous if not managed properly. If, for example, you begin experiencing opioid-induced insomnia and don’t get help, it can lead to sleep deprivation.
Alternatively, even if your total sleep time has not decreased, a lack of deep, quality sleep can also contribute to sleep deprivation.
Sleep deprivation is one of the more serious risks associated with Suboxone use, as it can lead to changes in mood and behavior. This side effect is tied to reduced cognitive function, which might impact your ability to work and drive safely.
It can also contribute to mood disorders like depression and change how medications (like antidepressants) affect your body. This issue is why closely monitoring your sleep is an important part of Suboxone therapy.
Another sleep-related risk of taking Suboxone is the increased possibility of developing sleep apnea. Because opioids suppress the respiratory system, meaning they cause shallow and slowed breathing, you need to be wary of nighttime breathing problems.
Sleep apnea can be hard to detect, especially if you sleep alone. If you’ve suffered from sleep apnea in the past, you should tell your doctor.
Coping With Sleep Problems Caused by Suboxone
When undergoing a treatment program for substance abuse, your team will help you work through sleep disturbances caused by Suboxone.
In some cases, they may suggest trying an over-the-counter supplement, such as melatonin, to help you sleep better. However, you should ask your doctor before combining Suboxone with other medications.
While reducing your Suboxone dose or transitioning you off opioids altogether might be the end goal for resolving your sleep issues, your doctor will likely try other methods first. This option is especially necessary if you otherwise see good results with your Suboxone prescription.
According to the CDC, some ways you can improve your sleep quality include:
- Creating a healthy bedtime routine that helps your body prepare for sleep, which should limit bright lights, screen time, and physical activity
- Going to bed and getting up at a consistent time every day, which will help train your body to anticipate sleep as you approach your preferred bedtime
- Getting lots of physical activity throughout the day to help wear you down physically
- Implementing brain exercises to calm and tire your mind
- Avoiding caffeine, especially in the latter parts of the day
- Changing your diet to prevent issues like constipation, which can be a side effect of Suboxone use
Overall, the benefits Suboxone provides someone recovering from opioid addiction far outweigh any sleep-related problems they may face. Involving your doctor or recovery team in the process will help you minimize side effects and get on the path to a comfortable recovery.
Get Help With Suboxone and Addiction Recovery Today
Recovering from an opioid addiction requires specialized care, but you don’t have to go it alone. If you’re interested in learning more about Suboxone and other treatment programs, Zinnia Health can provide the trusted information you need.
Call us at (855) 430-9439 to discuss how you can move forward to a life free from substances.
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