Extreme Fatigue After Quitting Smoking

How To Deal With Nicotine Withdrawal

• The bodys craving for nicotine causes irritability after you stop smoking.
• Irritability from nicotine withdrawal will lessen over time, typically between 2 and 4 weeks.
• Using the nicotine patch or gum should help to ease the cravings and irritability.
• Tell your family and friends that this may be a tough time for you. Remind them, and yourself, that it is a temporary symptom and you are doing some-thing great for yourself.

• Cravings for cigarettes happen most often during the first few days after you stop smoking. These cravings usually only last a few minutes.
• Cravings lessen over time. Most ex-smokers say that they only have an occasional urge to smoke 2 to 3 weeks after they stop smoking.
• Distract yourself by doing something other than smoking. Walks, talking with a friend or reading a good book are some examples of doing something else.

• Smokers bodies create extra mucous to help rid the body of the harmful chemicals in cigarettes. When you stop smoking, your body stops making extra mucous. As you adjust to this change, you may need to cough or clear your throat.
• Coughing and other similar symptoms are signs that your body is healing itself.
• These symptoms usually go away a few days after you stop smoking.
• Drinking water or having hard candy is a way to ease the coughing.

• Sometimes cigarette cravings are confused with hunger.
• Try not to replace a cigarette with food. Use the 5 Ds listed below instead.

• Delay

Does Smoking Cigarettes Make You Tired How Does Smoking Affect Sleep

As discussed above the oxygen carrying ability of the blood decreases due to the carbon monoxide absorbed into the blood while smoking. The organs will not receive the required oxygen and makes you feel tired.

This can then lead to problems such as sleep fragmentation, insomnia, snoring, and sleep apnoea.

Sleep issues associated with smoking are largely attributed to nicotine, which is the active ingredient in tobacco products. Nicotine is a stimulant but, in the same way that those who overuse coffee in the hope to perk them up stimulants that are used regularly end up causing tiredness and fatigue the opposite of the desired effect. The result is a variety of sleep issues including insomnia.

Smokers tend to have fragmented sleep that leads to insomnia, take slightly longer to fall asleep , enjoy less deep sleep , experience more sleep disruptions, and frequently complain about difficulty in either falling asleep or staying asleep even though smoking makes them tired.

Smoking can also increase the likelihood and severity of both snoring and sleep apnoea. This is likely due to the effects of harmful chemicals and pollutants present in cigarette smokeirritants that contribute to swelling of the airway, especially the soft tissues lining the nose and throat. Damage to the lungs may lead to other problems and decrease oxygen levels at night.

Benefits Of Quitting Smoking

Quitting is the best thing you will ever do for your health. It can affect your life in ways you may not even imagine.

Benefits to your health and life from quitting smoking include:

• Your sense of taste and smell may improve, so you may enjoy your food more.
• Exercising to increase your fitness will become easier.
• You will be free from the hassles of smoking, such as smelling of smoke, or always having to make sure you have enough cigarettes.
• Your fertility levels will improve , and if youre a woman, your chances of having a healthy pregnancy and baby will also increase.
• You will save thousands of dollars a year that you can save or spend on other things.

Your family and friends will also benefit because:

• You wont put their health at risk with second-hand smoke any more.
• Your children will be less at risk from bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma, meningitis and ear infections.

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Causes And Treatment For Nicotine Withdrawal

Nicotine withdrawal occurs because the body has become dependent on it. Specifically, nicotine stimulates the release of dopamine in your brain, so when you stop using nicotine, there is less released, and this can result in withdrawal symptoms. Nicotine affects other neurotransmitters as well.

Behavioral factors are also thought to influence these withdrawal symptoms for example, just seeing someone smoking or smelling a cigarette can increase cravings. There are a few treatments to help with nicotine withdrawal, including:

• Nicotine replacement therapies : Examples of NRTs include nicotine gum, patches, lozenges, which are available over the counter. Nicotine nasal sprays and inhalers are available with a prescription.
• Prescription medications: The antidepressant Zyban and the smoking cessation aid Chantix can help with symptoms.

Speak to a healthcare provider about what treatment might be best for you. In addition to medications and NRTs, you can seek psychological support from a support group, quit-tobacco program, or mental health professional.

If you or a loved one are struggling with substance use or addiction, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.

For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database.

Why Do I Stink After Quitting Smoking

Much of the reason smokers lose their ability to taste foods is due to the decrease in their sense of smell. Breathing in the hot fumes of cigarette smoke can be toxic to the olfactory senses. On the plus side, recovering your sense of smell is one of the first changes many smokers notice when they quit.

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What Are The Most Common Nicotine Withdrawal Symptoms

Nicotine withdrawal symptoms vary from person to person. How severe your symptoms are depends on how frequently you use a nicotine product and the amount of nicotine in the product you use.

Common symptoms include:

• Constipation and gas or diarrhea.
• Cough, dry mouth, sore throat and nasal drip.
• Chest tightness.

How Can I Enjoy A Meal Without Smoking

Food often tastes better after you quit smoking, and you may have a bigger appetite. Expect to want to smoke after meals. Your desire to smoke after meals may depend on whether you are alone, with other smokers, or with nonsmokers.

Your urge to smoke may be stronger with certain foods, such as spicy or sweet foods. Also, the urge to smoke may be stronger at different meal times.

Here are some tips:

• Know what kinds of foods increase your urge to smoke and stay away from them.
• If you are alone, call a friend or take a walk as soon as youâve finished eating.
• Brush your teeth or use mouthwash right after meals.
• If you have coffee or a fruit drink, concentrate on the taste.
• Wash the dishes by hand after eatingâyou canât smoke with wet hands!
• Eat at smoke-free restaurants.

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Smoking And Blood Sugar

Another way smoking impacts energy levels, and one that many do not consider, is the effects tobacco smoke has on blood sugar levels. Studies have shown that smoking reduces the bodys sensitivity to insulin. When a non-diabetic eats something containing carbohydrates or sugar, the body converts these substances into glucose, a sugar used by the body for energy. In order to properly process glucose, the pancreas releases a chemical called insulin to break it down and make it available for cells to use. In those who dont respond as well to insulin , more insulin is needed to process the same level of glucose.

As the body grows more resistant, more and more insulin is needed. This is what eventually leads to Type II Diabetes. Plenty of insulin is available, but the body no longer knows what to do with it.

This effects energy levels because glucose is the bodys preferred energy source. If glucose cannot be adequately processed and used by the body, energy will suffer. Additionally, ineffective glucose distribution may signal to the brain that you need to eat more sugar or carbohydrates. This eventually may lead to further insulin resistance or Type II Diabetes.

As the body grows more resistant, more and more insulin is needed. This is what eventually leads to Type II Diabetes. Plenty of insulin is available, but the body no longer knows what to do with it.

What Causes Nicotine Withdrawal Symptoms

Nicotine binds to certain receptors in your brain. It causes your brain to release a chemical called dopamine. Dopamine is a feel good neurohormone. As long as you continue to use nicotine-containing products, dopamine continues to be released. When you dont smoke or use nicotine-containing products, your brains receptors are no longer stimulated by nicotine. Less dopamine is released and your pleasure center your mood and behavior begin to be affected, causing some of your withdrawal symptoms.

Nicotine also changes the balance of other chemical messengers in your brain. Stopping the use of nicotine disrupts the chemical balance, causing some of the physical and other withdrawal symptoms.

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Do Nicotine Replacement Products Relieve Nicotine Cravings And Withdrawal Symptoms

Yes. Nicotine replacement products deliver measured doses of nicotine into the body, which helps to relieve the cravings and withdrawal symptoms often felt by people trying to quit smoking. Nicotine replacement products are effective treatments that can increase the likelihood that someone will quit successfully .

Five forms of nicotine replacement products have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration :

Experts recommend combining nicotine replacement therapy with advice or counseling from a doctor, dentist, pharmacist, or other health care provider. Also, experts suggest that smokers quit using tobacco products before they start using nicotine replacement products . Too much nicotine can cause nausea, vomiting, dizziness, diarrhea, weakness, or rapid heartbeat.

Quit Smoking To Live Longer

Half of all long-term smokers die early from smoking-related diseases, including heart disease, lung cancer and chronic bronchitis.

Men who quit smoking by the age of 30 add 10 years to their life. People who kick the habit at 60 add 3 years to their life.

In other words, it’s never too late to benefit from stopping. Being smoke-free not only adds years to your life, but also greatly improves your chances of a disease-free, mobile, happier old age.

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When To See A Doctor

While you may notice mood changes or physical symptoms when you are withdrawing from nicotine, Vivek Cherian, MD, a Chicago-based internal medicine physician, says in general, there are no severe side effects that, unlike alcohol withdrawal, require medical attention. That said, if you feel increased sadness, depression, or anxiety that is not getting better with smoking cessation products, see a doctor. These psychological withdrawal symptoms may require medical attention.

For more information regarding nicotine addiction and smoking cessation programs, check out the following resources:

• Smokefree
• Quitline
• Centers for Disease Control and Preventionfact sheets on various topics including smoking cessation, health effects of smoking like lung cancer, smokeless tobacco like e-cigarettes.

It takes many people a few tries to quit for good. If at first you dont succeed, try again!

Feeling Jumpy And Restless

Feeling jumpy or restless during the first days or weeks after quitting is normal. Just like your mind gets irritated without nicotine at first, the rest of your body can, too.

Ways to manage: Doing some physical activity can help shake loose your jumpiness. Get up and walk around for a bit if you feel restless. Try cutting back on coffee, tea, and other caffeinated drinks. When you quit smoking, caffeine lasts longer in your body.

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Badness Coming Back Out

I also had a lot of weight to loseI had seventy pound, easily to get to the ideal weight that I wanna be.Ive lost 30But by losing all that weight, its releasing all the toxins from the cellulite in your body.Your body hasnt got the option of trapping the toxins into the fat anymore, so it has to deal with it it has to release them in some way, and when its releasing them its diverting resources that it would otherwise give you to keep yourself going.And thats with my personal experience.Like I say, its gonna be different for everyone.

Feeling Hungrier Or Gaining Weight

Its normal for your appetite to increase some when you quit. And your body may not burn calories quite as fast. You may also eat more because of the stress of quitting or to have something to do with your hands and mouth. Food may even be more enjoyable because your senses of smell and taste are not being dulled by all that smoke!

Ways to manage: While some people may gain weight after they quit, its important for your health to quit sooner than later. Below are a few simple things you can do to help control weight gain after quitting. The bonus is that these things will help you build healthy behaviors for a lifetime of being smokefree!

• Snack smart. If you eat between meals, find some healthy, low-calorie foods that still give your mouth and hands something to do, like celery, carrots, or sugar-free mints. You can also keep your hands and mouth busy with a toothpick or a straw.
• Be active. Any physical activity is better than none. Even if you dont want to join a gym or take up running, simply going for a walk can have real health benefits!
• When you eat, focus on eating. Eating is often something we do in the background while we watch TV or check our phones. When we eat like this, we eat more. When you quit smoking, make a point of removing distractions when you eat. Also try eating a bit slower and focus on enjoying your food. This can help you notice when you are getting full.

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How Can I Resist The Urge To Smoke When Im Around Smokers

You may want to analyze situations in which watching others smoke triggers an urge in you to smoke. Figure out what it is about those situations that makes you want to smoke. Is it because you associate feeling happy with being around other smokers? Or, is there something special about the situations, such as being around the people you usually smoked with? Is it tempting to join others for routine smoke breaks?

Here are some tips:

• Limit your contact with smokers, especially in the early weeks of quitting.
• Do not buy, carry, light, or hold cigarettes for others.
• If you are in a group and others light up, excuse yourself, and donât return until they have finished.
• Do not let people smoke in your home. Post a small âNo Smokingâ sign by your front door.
• Ask others to help you stay quit. Give them specific examples of things that are helpful and things that are not helpful .
• Focus on what youâve gained by quitting. For example, think of how healthy you will be when all smoking effects are gone from your body and you can call yourself smoke-free. Also, add up how much money you have saved already by not purchasing cigarettes and imagine how you will spend your savings in 6 months.

Feeling Anxious Sad Or Depressed

People who smoke are more likely to have anxiety or depression than people who dont smoke. Some people feel mood changes for a short time after they quit smoking. Watch for this, especially if youve ever had anxiety or depression.

For some people, smoking may seem like it helps with anxiety or depression, but dont be tricked. Smoking might make you feel better in the short-term, but thats because the nicotine in cigarettes stops the discomfort of withdrawal, not because it is helping with anxiety or depression. There are much better ways to deal with withdrawal symptoms and mood changes than returning to smoking! The good news is that once people have been smoke-free for a few months, their anxiety and depression levels are often lower than when they were smoking.

Ways to manage:

• Be Active. Being physically active can help lift your mood. Start small and build up over time. This can be hard to do if youre feeling down. But your efforts will pay off.
• Structure your day. Stay busy. Get out of the house if you can.
• Connect with other people. Being in touch or talking with others every day can help your mood. Try to connect with people who are supportive of your efforts to quit smoking.
• Reward yourself. Do things you enjoy. Even small things add up and help you feel better.
• Talk with a healthcare provider. If you dont feel better in a couple weeks, or your symptoms feel unmanageable, its important to contact a healthcare provider.

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Feeling Emotional When You Quit

In the first days and weeks when you quit smoking, the emotional ups and downs could feel like a rollercoaster ride. Making big changes in your life can naturally lead to heightened emotions.

Some people describe giving up smoking as feeling like youre losing a friend. As long as you understand that this is just a stage and what youre feeling is normal, you can ride through the hard times and settle into feeling more confident without cigarettes.

Knowing how quickly you will recover with quitting can help:

How Long Does Tiredness Last After Quitting Nicotine Use

Nicotine withdrawal symptoms are more likely to persist if you use other tobacco products. These symptoms can actually linger for a few weeks.

You may also feel more irritable and anxious if you use other tobacco products. This is because the cravings for cigarettes or other products like e-cigarettes can be more intense.

If youre still experiencing nicotine withdrawal symptoms after a few days, talk with your doctor. They can help you figure out the best treatment plan for your symptoms.

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