Nicotine and Sleep

How Nicotine Affects Your Sleep

Whether from tobacco products or vapes, even occasional use of nicotine can negatively affect sleep. In fact, studies suggest that smokers are almost 50% more likely Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source to experience sleep troubles than non-smokers. People who smoke, vape, or use other tobacco products tend to take longer to fall asleep, wake up more often during the night, and sleep fewer hours. Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source

Using nicotine can also change how the body moves through the stages of sleep. Tobacco users tend to spend longer in the lighter stages of sleep, leading to more nighttime awakenings, and less time in the deep and restorative stage of sleep. Trusted Source Department of Veteran's Affairs (VA) The VA provide veterans the world-class benefits and services including health care and a range of benefits that help them transition back to civilian life in the country they fought to defend. View Source  

Tobacco and other nicotine products have been found to increase the risk of several sleep problems, including snoring and sleep disorders like obstructive sleep apnea and certain parasomnias.

Does Nicotine Keep You Awake?

Nicotine is a stimulant and works quickly in the body, causing a rapid release of hormones that increase a person’s breathing, blood pressure, and heart rate. 

People who smoke or use nicotine products often report experiencing difficulty falling asleep, waking up frequently throughout the night, and experiencing overall poorer sleep quality compared to non-smokers. It is important to avoid all nicotine products at least four hours before bed to promote better sleep quantity and quality. 

Does Nicotine Make You Tired?

Tiredness is a common symptom of nicotine withdrawal. Withdrawal occurs when the level of nicotine in the blood goes down, triggering uncomfortable symptoms as the body begins to seek out more of the drug. Other symptoms of nicotine withdrawal Trusted Source Medline Plus MedlinePlus is an online health information resource for patients and their families and friends. View Source include:

• Cravings
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Nightmares
• Headaches
• Irritability
• Difficulty concentrating
• Hunger

Fortunately, the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal are temporary. The worst symptoms generally occur around two to three days after quitting. Daytime tiredness tends to slowly get better during the first 20 days after quitting.

Can Nicotine Replacement Therapy Affect Sleep?

Nicotine replacement therapy is a type of treatment used to help people quit smoking and vaping. By providing the body with a small amount of nicotine, research shows that products like nicotine gum, patches, and lozenges can reduce the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal.

Some people have trouble sleeping within the first several days Trusted Source Medline Plus MedlinePlus is an online health information resource for patients and their families and friends. View Source after starting nicotine replacement therapy, especially when using the nicotine patch.

While they may temporarily make it more difficult to sleep, experts emphasize that the benefits of using nicotine replacement therapy far outweigh the risks of continuing to smoke or vape. Additionally, trouble sleeping while using nicotine replacement therapy typically goes away over time.

How to Improve Sleep While Quitting Smoking

Although coping with symptoms of nicotine withdrawal can be a challenge, several evidence-based tips can help people get better sleep when quitting smoking.

• Exercise: Getting enough physical activity during the day can help combat cravings and make it easier to fall asleep at night during nicotine withdrawal.
• Reduce caffeine: Quitting smoking can affect how the body metabolizes caffeine, increasing the time that caffeine stays in the body. To lessen the impact of caffeine on sleep, be sure to stop drinking coffee and other caffeinated beverages at least 8 hours before sleep.
• Stop nicotine replacement therapy before bed: Using nicotine replacement therapy increases a person’s chances of quitting. If nicotine replacement therapy causes sleep issues, experts suggest removing the patch and stopping other nicotine products around an hour before bedtime. It can also be helpful to talk to a doctor about changing the dosage of nicotine replacement therapy.