One of the trippiest parts about getting sober was experiencing something called "REM rebound" where you dream intensely and vividly all night long, night after night. The way it was explained to me is that alcohol inhibits REM sleep to such a degree that it's like it has to catch up for lost time. It's exhausting but also an interesting experience, I'll say that much.

It took quite some time to feel like I got a restful sleep, but oh man, what a difference when I did! Reflecting on my drunken decade, I don't think I knew what a good night's sleep was. I felt like I was sleeping, but it's more like I was passing out from alcohol overdose day after day. It's no wonder I was constantly depressed and suicidal all those years.

That and the "pink cloud" phase (which I wish could've lasted forever) were the most interesting parts about becoming sober.

[–] [email protected] 21 points 11 months ago (9 children)

Marijuana also hampers REM sleep, so daily smokers experience the same thing when they take a T break or get sober. I'd be interested to see a similar study for weed, especially since it's marketed as a sleep aid

[–] HeapOfDogs 2 points 11 months ago

It varies person to person but yes (personal experience)

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