6 Ways to Combat Rebound Insomnia During Ambien Withdrawal
Ambien, also known as zolpidem, is a sedative that treats insomnia and helps you fall asleep. But when you suddenly stop taking Ambien, you may experience rebound insomnia — a serious condition that interferes with sleep patterns for up to several weeks or months after quitting the sleep aid. Fortunately, there are several healthy ways to overcome rebound insomnia when you’re going through Ambien withdrawal.
If you’re addicted to Ambien or another sleep aid, understand there are safe ways to detox and overcome addiction without putting your health at risk. Call our 24/7 confidential helpline at 888-602-1971(Who Answers?) to learn more about your addiction treatment options.
Here are six ways to combat rebound insomnia during Ambien withdrawal.
1. Taper Your Doses
Tapering doses is when you gradually reduce your dose over a set period of time. This allows your body to slowly acclimate to lower doses, and avoid cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Don’t taper Ambien on your own. Instead, work closely with your doctor to taper Ambien doses, or visit a rehab or detox center that specializes in treating Ambien addiction.
2. Exercise Regularly
Regular exercise promotes relaxation and restful sleep.
Exercise naturally helps you relax by reducing stress and anxiety, and by triggering feelings of sleepiness at night. Try sticking to light exercise such as walking throughout rebound insomnia to lower your risk for injury. Avoid engaging in moderate to vigorous exercise, which can lead to injury due to lack of sleep.
3. Quit Caffeine
Caffeine stays in your bloodstream for up to several hours, which means drinking caffeine in the late afternoon can interfere with sleep patterns. Try quitting caffeine completely, or limit your drinking to early morning hours. Alternately, try swapping out coffee and energy drinks for beverages with lower caffeine, such as green tea.
4. Modify Your Sleep Times
Sleep experts say that delaying the time you normally go to bed can counteract rebound insomnia and help you fall asleep easier. Get up at the same time you normally do, then try going to bed later. You can also try getting up earlier so you can feel more tired when it’s time to fall asleep.
5. Treat Co-Occurring Conditions
Rebound insomnia can be worsened if you also suffer from depression and anxiety. When you stop taking Ambien, depression and anxiety can further contribute to lack of sleep. Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider about medications or treatments that can help you overcome these mental health conditions.
What is Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome/PAWS – And How Can I Overcome It?
6. Visit a Rehab or Detox Center
Drug rehab and detox centers offer treatments that can help you overcome Ambien withdrawal with little to no side effects, including rebound insomnia. Medical staff at these addiction treatment centers can guide you through safely overcoming withdrawal, or by prescribing medications that reduce withdrawal symptoms.
If you or someone you care about is struggling with Ambien dependence or addiction, understand that help is just one phone call away. Call our 24/7 confidential helpline at 888-602-1971(Who Answers?) to learn more about your options for rehab and detox centers that treat Ambien withdrawal.
