You probably know that smoking cigarette can have a negative impact on your overall health, but did you know that smoking can be the cause of many sleep problems for adults?
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The effect of smoking cigarettes on sleep
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Smoking cigarettes can not only affect your body’s internal clock in a negative way, but it can also raise your risk of developing sleep apnea and can also cause your sleep to be fragmented, meaning your overall sleep is restless, or you experience insomnia.
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This is because of nicotine, which is the active ingredient found in cigarettes. Nicotine has been known to have a stimulating effect, but not one that is beneficial for sleeping. Cigarette smoking has been known to temporarily reduce anxiety and help people to feel more awake and alert. This is, however, a temporary effect, which is not exactly beneficial for getting a well-rested sleep at night.
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For this reason, doctors typically advise against smoking if patients are experiencing sleep problems.
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If you are planning on quitting smoking
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Quitting smoking is not easy and can take some time. It is best to speak to your doctor if you plan on quitting smoking, as they can help you come up with a plan that works best for you and your overall health.
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While the process of quitting smoking may be frustrating, it is important to remember that the long-term effects can be extremely beneficial for your sleep. In fact, sleep apnea patients who quit smoking after being diagnosed have reported substantial improvements in their sleep quality from quitting smoking.
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Don’t expect your sleep to improve right away. Typically, the first few days of quitting can have some unpleasant side effects, and the withdrawal symptoms can continue towards the evening hours when it’s time for bed. Be prepared for the fact that you may experience a few sleepless nights in addition to the cravings and irritability. Make sure you surround yourself with a good support system, practice good sleep hygiene, and be patient.
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