Newbies,
Here’s a list of the most common withdrawal symptoms. Get familiar with this list and come up with ways to cope:
Sleep pattern disturbances
Some quitters complain that they find it difficult to sleep as long as they used to when they quit or cut down their tobacco use. Two things can cause this:
If you were a smoker, your sleep may have been interrupted by constant coughing and/or difficulty breathing. When you stop smoking, your body gets healthier and the sleep you get is more restful. So if you wake up suddenly at 5:00 a.m., you may think you are a victim of insomnia. You're probably not! Your body has probably had all the sleep it needs.
As tobacco use drains your body's energy. When your body stops depending on tobacco you start to regain this energy. So, often smokers and chewers begin to need fewer hours of sleep after quitting.
Feeling "spaced out"
This indistinct but annoying symptom is linked with carbon monoxide withdrawal. It gives a sense of being in "another dimension." It can include changes in distance and space perception, a floating feeling, and a total lack of concentration. Remember that carbon monoxide is a deadly poison - it is a good thing to get out of your system.
How long will this last? First few weeks after quitting.
Tips to help: Plan your workload to account for your temporary lack of concentration. Avoid additional stress during the first few weeks.
Members,
