In addition to feeling better mentally, (I am thinking more clearly, I have also noticed some positive physical changes from not drinking.
First, sleep. Since becoming sober, I have noticed that I am getting a lot more sleep than when drinking. Usually, I would have to drink to fall asleep and then I would sleep 4 or 5 hours and wake up and toss and turn until I had to get up for work. This would leave me tired and unrested in the morning and I would feel like I was in a fog all day.
After a week or so of getting sober (the first week I had terrible insomnia) I started to fall asleep easily and sleep soundly through the night. I am now waking up early feeling refreshed.
Second, blood pressure and heart rate. Since becoming sober, my blood pressure and heart rate have decreased to within the normal range. While drinking, my blood pressure was high enough to be considered stage 2 hypertension and my resting heart rate was extremely high. Both of these have decreased significantly since quitting. This may also be connected to quitting tobacco as well, but I’m not sure. I switched to nicotine gum around the time I quit drinking. The first few days were rough but now I feel that its manageable with the gum. If you want to quit tobacco, give the gum a shot. Target has the least expensive, in 220 packs.
Third, weight loss. Since becoming sober for good 2 1/2 weeks ago, I have lost 7 lbs without changing diet or exercise. When I quit drinking the first time back in June I lost 45 lbs in about 4 months (I have drank off and on since then but haven’t regained any of the weight). It feels great to fit in clothes that I haven’t wore for years and it makes plane trips my more comfortable.
Have you noticed any positive physical changes since becoming sober?
J.
uncrunk. 