Nightmares and Smoking Cessation: When Halloween Becomes Reality

A haunted sleep

It is important to know that when we stop smoking, our body adjusts because the absence of nicotine causes a big change. This adaptation phase takes energy from us and it also affects our sleep.

The result is more frequent waking up and recurring fatigue. The frustration you probably feel about this is legitimate because the night is your moment of regaining energy and not being able to enjoy it is difficult.

Because of these frequent awakenings, we remember better what we dreamed of. This varies from person to person, but as a general rule, the power of dreams is exacerbated.

This is a common symptom of smoking cessation, especially during the first three months after quitting, so you are not alone! The duration of nightmares and restless sleep during smoking cessation depends on your sleep hygiene and the nicotine substitutes you use.

How to avoid ghosts and Halloween monsters ?

As we stated earlier, your lifestyle and your sleep are linked to these nightmares accompanying your smoking cessation. So we want to give you our top tips for getting a good night's sleep.

A regular bedtime

Going to bed at the same time every day will allow your body to understand that at that precise time you have to sleep. It will take time for your body to get used to it, but you will see after a while that you feel the sleep coming to you at the given time.

Find a quiet activity before bedtime

We are used to being busy from morning to night until it is time to go to sleep, but it is possible to change your habits and opt for a quieter activity before bedtime. You can read a book for example, listen to a podcast, or meditate, the choice is yours. Simply choose something that relaxes you and puts you in a good condition to sleep.

Associate your bed with a moment of rest

Whenever possible, it is best to reserve the bed for sleeping time. If you spend the day in your bed, it will sometimes be difficult for your mind to separate the moments of activity from the moments of rest if the place is the same.

Break the "nightmares and smoking cessation" spell

To try to reduce the number of nightmares, you can try to write it down as you remember it and then rewrite it with changes that make it more enjoyable.

You now have all the keys to making your nights not look like a Halloween party! We hope that your nightmares that appeared after you quit smoking will soon leave you and you can get a good night's sleep!