Sleeping Pill Withdrawal: What Does This Look Like?

The importance of sleep is often understated. Getting a good night’s sleep is essential for both mental and physical health; however, for many, sleep can evade them and they struggle with insomnia. For those who struggle with sleep regularly, this can lead to the use of sleeping pills to get the rest needed. The more regular use becomes, the more likely a physical and psychological dependence will develop.

At New Leaf Recovery, we understand that withdrawing and stepping away from any addiction can be challenging. Taking the first step to seek help and support is vital for working safely through detoxification and withdrawal and working towards regaining a natural sleep pattern.

Speak with our team today about how we can help you with safe sleeping pill withdrawal.

What Are Sleeping Pills?

Sleeping pills are medically known as sedative-hypnotics and are a class of drugs designed to help induce or maintain sleep. They work by enhancing the effects of GABA, a chemical in the brain that helps the body to feel calm and sleepy. Some of the most commonly prescribed sleeping pills include:

• Benzodiazepines: Temazepam or Diazepam are common.
• Z-Drugs: Zolpidem (Ambien), Zopiclone (Zimovane) and Zaleplon (Sonata).
• Barbiturates: These are rarely prescribed due to the high risk of overdose but may still be prescribed in some contexts.

If sleeping pills are required, they are prescribed by your GP; however, they can also be procured outside of prescription. When obtained in such a way, they are often referred to by other terms such as sleepers, tranks, Z-bombs (specific to Z-Drugs), bennies (specific to Benzodiazepines), candy or downers.

Common Signs of A Sleeping Pill Addiction

With many forms of addiction, it can be difficult to spot the signs of it and particularly when someone needs support for it. This is perhaps harder with needing help to sleep; however, there are some common signs that can indicate a possible sleeping pill addiction, including:

• Needing more of the sleeping pills to get the same sedative result.
• Taking pills earlier in the day for things like anxiety.
• Experiencing ‘blackouts’ in memory.
• Trying to do tasks whilst falling asleep, such as driving or eating.
• Finding yourself unable to stop taking the sleeping pills.

If you have noticed an increase in your own dependence on sleeping pills, or have been concerned about someone you love, contact New Leaf Recovery today for support and advice on sleeping pill withdrawal and detoxification.

What is Sleeping Pill Withdrawal?

Withdrawal is a process that happens if you have not taken a substance for a prolonged period of time but have developed a dependence upon it. The brain becomes lazy due to the presence of the drug within your system and stops producing its own chemicals to keep the body calm. With a sudden stop to medication or substance, this can lead to the nervous system going into overdrive, creating withdrawal.

It is key with any form of withdrawal to seek the right help and support. Do not attempt to do this alone as it can be dangerous, with some side effects being severe or even life threatening.

At New Leaf Recovery, we provide a medically supervised detoxification for drugs or alcohol, ensuring that you receive 24 hour support to work through the symptoms safely. If you are needing to safely detox, get in touch with our team today.

The Side Effects of Sleeping Pill Withdrawal

When going through withdrawal for any substance, individuals can experience a range of symptoms, often the opposite to the effects of the consumed drug. With sleeping pills, the body with often go through a hyper-arousal during withdrawal as opposed to feeling sleeping and calm.

Physical Symptoms

When going through withdrawal, there are some common physical symptoms that individuals can experience, including:

• Nausea
• Sweating
• Muscles aches or tremors
• Increased heart rate and blood pressure
• Seizures (in some severe cases)

Psychological Symptoms

Individuals can also experience some psychological symptoms, including:

• Intense anxiety
• Panic attacks
• Mood swings
• Irritability
• Hallucinations

In some cases of sleeping pill withdrawal, individuals may also experience what is known as ‘rebound insomnia’. This is when sleeping is found to be more difficult that before they began taking sleeping pills.

This is often only a temporary intensification of sleep difficulties. It is a sign that your brain is working to recalibrate and get you back into a normal sleeping routine. Some may consider it a physiological rest that, whilst uncomfortable, is only taking place during withdrawal and detoxification.

If you are looking to seek support for a medically supervised detox from sleeping pills, get in touch with New Leaf Recovery today. We are here to help you.

A Sleeping Pill Withdrawal Timeline

The withdrawal and detoxification process, and the symptoms that display during this time can vary from person to person in both what is experienced, and the severity of this. As a rough guide for those seeking support for sleeping pill withdrawal:

Days 1 to 3: Symptoms of withdrawal can begin to display themselves from 12 to 24 hours after your last consumption. Individuals may experience confusion, memory fog and anxiety during this time. This is also when rebound insomnia hits, making you feel restless.

Days 4 to 10: Often, this is when the peak of symptoms with kick in, including sweating. Increased heart rate and tremors. Cravings can feel intense with distress being high and sleep being difficult.

Days 11 to 17: Whilst the physical side effects may begin to wear off at this point and you may feel a little better, psychological symptoms can begin to take hold during this period of time, including panic attacks or depression. Your mood may also begin to stabilise during this period.

Day 18+: From this time onwards, the focus is often on long-term sobriety and rehabilitation. Individuals may experience some lingering anxiety or sleeplessness until the brain has returned to ‘normal’.

At New Leaf, we work with each individual client to understand their addiction and the support required throughout the detox process. With a medically supervised detox, we ensure that each client remains safe and supported throughout the process and is able to overcome the difficulties that they may experience before working through one of our rehabilitation programmes.

If you would like to know more about how our detoxification process can help you or a loved one, get in touch with our team today. We are available 24/7 on 0300 999 0330.

Seeking Support With New Leaf Recovery

New Leaf Recovery is a trusted residential rehabilitation centre in Birmingham, working with individuals through detoxification and rehabilitation for drug and alcohol addictions.

If you or a loved one has started to rely more on sleeping pills to get the rest needed, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team today for support, advice and admissions information.

Our medically supervised detoxification programme is offered over 7 days, followed by extended stays that include rehabilitation programmes and therapies, aiding longer term recovery. With stays of up to 28 days, you can ensure that you receive full recovery support to aid your ongoing rehabilitation in a safe and supportive environment. Don’t face withdrawal alone; let us help you start your recovery journey.