What’s the Difference Between Sleep and Rest, and How Do They Impact Recovery?

Sustainable recovery isn't just about staying away from drugs and alcohol or breaking harmful behaviors. Long-lasting recovery consists of a lot of moving parts. To stay sober, people must attend support group meetings and therapy, have a support system, and find creative ways to avoid triggers. Another critical moving part of the recovery journey is prioritizing your overall mental, physical, and emotional wellness. Achieving this greater sense of wellness requires quality sleep, but getting enough sleep and rest can be challenging for many. 

Sleep and rest are different, but both are critical for your health. You can improve your sleep by learning tips to fall asleep faster and creating an environment conducive to rest. Doing so is crucial to your sobriety. The worse you sleep, the more strenuous recovery can be. Meanwhile, for support and treatment, contact West Coast Recovery Centers today.

What Is Quality Sleep and Why Is It Crucial to Our Well-Being?

Four facets influence the quality of a person's sleep: efficiency, latency, duration, and wake after sleep onset. Many factors can impact these facets and your overall sleep quality. While getting a good night's rest takes a lot of work for some people, that work is always worth it. 

Sleep is crucial for our overall well-being. The quality and quantity of sleep directly influence mental health, physical well-being, and the ability to function day-to-day. Sleep is the mind and body's opportunity to rest and recharge. Without it, it'd be impossible to fulfill responsibilities, complete tasks at work, or properly care for oneself or other family members. 

Though we may not all require the same amount of sleep to function effectively, we all still need an adequate amount of sleep each night. The amount of sleep a person requires depends on their age. For instance, the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (OASH) claims that adults require at least seven hours of sleep. These seven hours provide individuals with many benefits, such as: 

• Improving the immune system 
• Maintaining a healthy weight 
• Lowering the risk of health problems 
• Reducing stress and improving overall mood 
• Increasing cognitive function and critical thinking 

Of course, a good night's rest isn't just about quantity; it's also about quality. Seven hours of mediocre sleep won't offer the same benefits. The goal of seven hours of sleep is to wake up feeling refreshed and well-rested.

Sleep and Rest: What's the Difference?

When we don't get enough quality sleep, it impacts virtually every area of our lives. Why is that? It is partly because the body undergoes necessary hormonal balances during sleep. These changes impact bodily systems. For example, while sleeping, our body recuperates from the day by regenerating cells and creating new pathways in the brain. These processes are responsible for facilitating some of the many benefits listed above. 

While rest is helpful, it doesn't produce the same benefits as sleep. When the body rests, it still has the opportunity to recharge. So, what's the difference between sleep and rest? The most significant difference is consciousness. Without a deep sleep, the body doesn't have the same chances to undergo hormonal changes and recuperate from the day's events. 

Additionally, oftentimes, we continue to think and worry about stressful situations while resting. Only sleep can shut the brain off. Without sleep, we'd continually worry about things we can't control, major life decisions, and other things that keep us up at night. The only way to take a break from these stressful processes is through sleep, not rest. 

So, though rest is still helpful, it doesn't offer the same benefits as sleep. For that reason, It's imperative to prioritize sleep throughout your addiction treatment and recovery. A good night's rest will help you manage cravings, avoid triggers, and improve overall well-being. All these benefits are critical for achieving sustainable recovery and maintaining it long-term.

Tips for Gaining More Sleep and Rest Today

As mentioned, it takes a lot of work for people to get enough quality sleep. Some people simply have a more challenging time falling asleep and staying asleep. Others may struggle with sleep disorders. Some of the most common sleep disorders experienced include insomnia, narcolepsy, and sleep apnea. Thankfully, there are treatments for sleep disorders. In the meantime, however, what are some things that individuals can do to get better sleep?

The first thing you can do to gain more sleep and rest is to prioritize good sleep hygiene. Good sleep hygiene consists of:

• Consistently going to bed and waking up at the same time every day 
• Turning your bedroom into a peaceful environment conducive to sleep and rest 
• Removing any electronic devices from your bedroom, including your phone 
• Avoiding screen time before bed, ideally two hours before heading to sleep 
• Being mindful of what you eat and drink throughout the day, and include physical activity into your day-to-day routine 

These are only a few things you can try to gain more sleep and rest today. Remember, getting enough quality sleep and rest isn't just critical to your recovery; it's imperative for your overall well-being. Consider these tips and reach out to West Coast Recovery Centers to start your addiction recovery journey. 

Many factors contribute to a sustainable recovery and maintaining it long-term. This includes attending therapy and support group meetings, exercising, eating healthy, and having a competent support system. Another critical part of staying sober is getting enough sleep and rest. Specifically, individuals in recovery must prioritize getting enough quality sleep each night. Doing so provides many benefits, including improving your immune system, reducing stress, and increasing your ability to function day-to-day. There are steps you can take to start improving your sleep and rest cycles today. If you fear you're struggling with a sleep disorder, consider seeking further medical help. For support or more information, contact West Coast Recovery Centers at (760) 492-6509 today.