Does sleep improve after quitting smoking?

Does sleep improve after quitting smoking? The short answer is, yes! If you stop smoking you will sleep better.

Getting a good night's sleep can be a real challenge for some smokers, and a lack of sleep can lead to negative health consequences over and above those you might already associate with smoking, warns Stop Smoking London, part of the London Tobacco Alliance. If you’re a smoker then it may be the fear of future bad health keeping you up at night, but your smoking will also only make your sleep disorder worse.

In short, the loud and clear message is - quit smoking and you’ll likely very quickly sleep so much better.

Here’s five reasons why you may not be sleeping if you’re a smoker:

Our bodies have a natural sleep-wake cycle and this is known as our circadian rhythm. However, smoking doesn’t sit easily alongside this cycle. If you can’t fall asleep or find yourself waking up through the night - smoking might be why. Worst of all, nicotine, the addictive substance in cigarettes, is likely to be the reason why you’re waking up far too early - and missing out on that much-needed lie-in.

Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep is stage of sleep characterised by rapid eye movements, vivid dreams, and a loss of muscle tone. It's an essential stage of sleep for the brain's ability to process information and even consolidate memories. Smoking can reduce the amount of REM sleep, leading to a range of negative health consequences. This includes difficulties with mood regulation, memory problems, and an increased risk of depression and anxiety.

You must stop losing sleep over smoking

Quitting smoking can quickly and significantly improve sleep quality and this leads to a range of positive health benefits. Every day is a good day to consider quitting smoking, but - if you’re struggling due to sleepless nights you need to seriously consider how smoking might be impacting you beyond even the widely-recognised health implications.