Nicotine and Sleep: How it disrupts your rest | Resmed UK

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Nicotine is a
stimulant1–3.

While some people feel it helps them relax, it can increase alertness, heart rate, and blood pressure, effects that may interfere with sleep3.

How nicotine can affect sleep3

Nicotine may influence sleep in several ways:

  • Delayed sleep onset when used close to bedtime2,3.
  • More fragmented sleep during the night2–4.
  • Lighter, less restorative sleep, which may lead to daytime fatigue2,3.

These effects can vary depending on the amount consumed and individual sensitivity.

What to keep in mind

Using nicotine close to bedtime may make it more difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep3.

Some people may also notice temporary changes in sleep when reducing or stopping nicotine use. Over time, sleep patterns may improve5.

If you notice changes in your sleep related to nicotine, tracking this in your journal may help you better understand your patterns.

Key point

Nicotine can increase alertness, which may make it harder to reach deeper, more restorative sleep3.

References
  1. Irish LA, Kline CE, Gunn HE, Buysse DJ, Hall MH. The role of sleep hygiene in promoting public health: A review of empirical evidence. Sleep Med Rev. 2015;22:23-36. doi:10.1016/j.smrv.2014.10.001
  2. Jaehne A, Loessl B, Bárkai Z, Riemann D, Hornyak M. Effects of nicotine on sleep during consumption, withdrawal and replacement therapy. Sleep Med Rev. 2009;13(5):363-377. doi:10.1016/j.smrv.2008.12.003
  3. Singh N, Wanjari A, Sinha AH. Effects of Nicotine on the Central Nervous System and Sleep Quality in Relation to Other Stimulants: A Narrative Review. Cureus. 15(11):e49162. doi:10.7759/cureus.49162
  4. Ashare RL, Lerman C, Tyndale RF, et al. Sleep Disturbance During Smoking Cessation: Withdrawal or Side Effect of Treatment? J Smok Cessat. 2017;12(2):63-70. doi:10.1017/jsc.2016.11
  5. Patterson F, Grandner MA, Malone SK, Rizzo A, Davey A, Edwards DG. Sleep as a Target for Optimized Response to Smoking Cessation Treatment. Nicotine Tob Res. 2017;21(2):139-148. doi:10.1093/ntr/ntx236

This article contains general information about medical conditions It is not medical advice. If you have any medical questions, please consult your doctor.