E Liquids and Sleep

Could e liquids and sleep issues be related? We explore this question further, looking at nicotine as well as other aspects of switching from smoking that could cause problems, and how to solve them. We also consider other factors that may affect sleep and how to combat them.

E Liquids and Sleep: Is There a Problem?

According to some studies, nicotine intake can affect your REM sleep. This is the stage of sleep that is the deepest and which allows your body and mind to properly rest and rejuvenate. Nicotine is also a stimulant, much like caffeine is. Therefore, it stands to reasons that if you are vaping nicotine heavy e liquids before bed and struggling to either nod off or enjoy a full night of quality sleep that it could be nicotine-related. Given that e cigarettes are now sold in some hospitals, it doesn’t appear to be a major issue.There is an easy way to test this theory.

When you smoked tobacco cigarettes you had limited options when it came to taking ownership of the amount of nicotine you were using. With vaping you are in the driving seat. It is up to you to choose what nicotine strengths you choose when buying your favourite e liquids. They come in a range of strengths too, including low nicotine and zero nicotine e liquids. What this means for your sleep, (if sleep is being affected by nicotine) that you can choose to vape lower or nil nicotine ejuice in the evenings/before bed. That is much better than having to put your e cigarette away after tea time. Basically, you would be doing the equivalent to switching to decaf coffee in the evenings.

So, in theory, yes, vaping could be contributing to some sleep issues. It isn’t highly likely if you were smoking before and are used to nicotine. It’s worth considering though.

E Liquids and Sleep: If Vaping Isn’t Causing Sleep Issues, What Is?

That’s the one million dollar question right there. Could the nicotine in your e cig be affecting your sleep? Yes. That said, there are many other things that unfortunately can leave you tired. These top tips are ideal for those looking to identify the cause of their sleep problems and take steps to sleep better.

• Keep a brain dump journal where you write down your ideas, thoughts, tasks and anything else floating around your head when you get into bed. Leave it on your bedside table for easy access.
• Don’t use your mobile phone in bed and limit any screen time before sleep time. If you absolutely must make sure you use a blue filter (many tablets and mobile phones offer this to weed out some of the blue light that affects your melatonin production).
• Make sure that you are hydrated and not hungry before bed.
• Ensure the temperature in your bedroom is cool.
• Avoid caffeine and reduce nicotine, if only during the “fact-finding” period until you know for sure whether nicotine is an issue.
• Don’t drink alcohol (it’s worth giving it a miss while you work out what is causing sleeplessness).

Keeping a sleep diary over a period of time is a great way to record potential triggers and to eliminate them. A sleep diary may also be advantageous if you decide that your sleep issues have gone on too long and you need some additional help from a healthcare provider. Remember that sleep is not just essential for your body but also your mind. If after eliminating vaping as an issue and working through these other steps you are still unable to sleep properly search out some professional health.

In Conclusion: E Liquids and Sleep

While there is some evidence that nicotine can affect REM in some vapers it is not reported as a widespread problem. Here at Hangsen, we like to be transparent though so felt it worth mentioning. If nicotine before bed is an issue for you, it is easily rectified. 

If you are having sleep issues we hope that you soon find the answers that you crave.

Good luck!