Some people can’t sleep after quitting smoking, and some might have trouble while they’re still smoking. You’re probably aware of the potential health complications that can come with the habit of smoking. However, smoking and sleep is something rarely discussed.

In saying that, smoking can have an impact on your sleeping habits. You might have a few questions or concerns about how it does. For instance, can smoking cause sleep apnea? And why is it that when people quit smoking they sometimes have a hard time sleeping? Keep reading to learn more about the connections between smoking and sleep.

How does smoking affect sleep?

Tobacco contains a stimulant known as nicotine. Nicotine can increase alertness and raise your heart rate, because of this, it could make it harder to fall asleep. It’s also an addictive stimulant, once it enters the bloodstream it reaches your brain in seconds. After only a little while, half of the nicotine consumed leaves the body. Once it leaves the body a smoker may begin to crave more.

This addictive cycle can cause people to feel the urge to wake in the middle of the night to have a smoke - leading to disruptions in their sleep cycle. You could also experience symptoms of withdrawal like irritation, restlessness, and a hard time concentrating. As dependency grows on nicotine your body is more likely to crave more and you may experience more symptoms of withdrawal.

This is a normal occurrence for people who smoke regularly, it’s also common for people who try to quit smoking. Smoking is a known cause of insomnia, as it results in an inability to fall asleep or even stay asleep. This lack of sleep caused by insomnia can result in:

• Mood swings
• Irritability
• Fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating

Does smoking cause sleep apnea?

There are many different forms of sleep apnea including:

• Complex sleep apnea syndrome
• Central sleep apnea
• Obstructive sleep apnea

Smoking can increase the risk of obstructive sleep apnea. This form of sleep apnea is the most common, and it occurs when our throat muscles relax - leading to the blocking of your airway while you sleep. Smoking might cause and promote the blockage of your airway by increasing the amount of fluid and inflammation in the upper airway. It’s estimated that people who smoke are three times more likely to develop sleep apnea than those who have never smoked.

Overall smoking can affect our sleep in many ways. It’s an addictive substance so it can lead to midnight cravings and withdrawals resulting in sleep insomnia. It also affects our upper airway - leading to the obstruction of the breath - which causes sleep apnea.

It’s best to avoid smoking if you want to have a good night’s rest. If you’re having trouble falling asleep because you’re trying to quit smoking, sleep hypnosis can help along with other techniques.