Many people have a set routine that they go through in the morning. However, these same people often forgo any routine, such as taking a nightly inventory, when it comes to retiring at night. There may be many reasons for this. Perhaps, the most common is that a long day can leave one simply “too tired” to go through a nightly routine. However, in recovery, this can be dangerous because it is important to close out the day and see how we are progressing in our recovery.
The Importance of Sleep Hygiene
Before focusing specifically on a nightly inventory, it can be beneficial to look at what our overall “sleep hygiene” looks like. So, what exactly is sleep hygiene? Ultimately, it is relatively simple – it is the process and routine one goes through at night. If one works diligently at maintaining a healthy routine then they have good sleep hygiene, if not, it is the reverse.
Sleep hygiene does not have to be specifically for those in recovery either. In fact, anyone can benefit from bringing more focus to their sleep hygiene. Sleep hygiene may consist of many things depending on the individual, but there tend to be some universal actions.
Good sleep hygiene will generally include some physical hygienic self-care (brushing one’s teeth, showering, washing one’s face, etc.), some focus on physical wellness (stretching, yoga, etc.), disconnecting from technology (turning off the TV, putting the phone away, etc.), and some type of spiritual practice (prayer, meditation, etc.). For people in recovery, good sleep hygiene should also include a nightly inventory.
What Is an Inventory in Recovery?
An inventory in recovery simply has to do with taking a look at one’s day and actions and determining the quality and wellness of those behaviors. For example, if we had an argument with someone at work, it is important to step back and analyze that interaction. Why did it happen? Where was I at fault? Am I able to forgive and forget? Getting to this forgiveness is important because holding on to resentment in recovery can lead to a relapse.
Relapse is more common than many people think. According to the peer-reviewed thesis, Addiction Relapse Prevention, by Doctors Guenzel and McChargue, “One primary concern in addiction treatment is the high rate of relapses within a short period after even the most intensive treatment. Many studies have shown relapse rates of approximately 50% within the first 12 weeks after completion of intensive inpatient programs that often last 4 to 12 weeks or more and can cost tens of thousands of dollars.”
An inventory is a highly effective way to avoid relapse in recovery. This includes taking a nightly inventory.
What Is a Nightly Inventory in Recovery
Most people choose to do their inventory at night. Now, this does not mean that it isn’t important to step back throughout the day and take an inventory, it simply means that taking a larger inventory at night can be highly beneficial.
While taking inventories has been around for a very long time, in recovery, taking an inventory is most associated with 12-Step recovery. In fact, the primary text of 12-Step recovery gives very specific instructions (or guidance) on how to take a nightly inventory.
How to Do a Nightly Inventory in Recovery
The primary text of 12-Step recovery (most commonly referred to as the Big Book) states, “When we retire at night, we constructively review our day. Were we resentful, selfish, dishonest or afraid?.. Have we kept something to ourselves which should be discussed with another person at once?” These are just a few of the suggestions for taking a nightly inventory.
The best way to take a nightly inventory is to “put pen to paper.” This means writing down what happened throughout the day and analyzing it. Once that is done, it is important to reach out to an individual (usually someone else in recovery, like a sponsor) and discuss what the inventory looks like. Finally, it is important to see if anything happened on the list for which we owe an apology. If so, we should plan to make it as soon as possible. In many instances, that means making a phone call right then and there. The key is to “clean house” and clear one’s mind so that the rest of the night can be peaceful and restful.
24/7 Health and Wellness With Lantana Recovery
Here at Lantana Recovery, we understand that wellness is a 24/7 situation. That means that we must remember our goals of recovery from the moment we wake up until the time our heads hit the pillow.
We know that when we bring this essential focus to our recovery, long-term success is inevitable. Recovery is possible. The key is to take the right steps (and to keep taking them) on a daily basis.
Reflecting at night on one’s day in recovery can be an essential part of one’s daily process. There are many benefits of nightly reflections including making gratitude lists that help one make amends as needed. Nightly reflection also reminds us of the importance of healthy sleep for recovery. If you feel like you or a loved one are struggling with issues of mental illness, addiction, or co-occurring disorders, we can help get you on the right road to recovery right away. You don’t have to go through this process alone. For more information about creating a nightly routine in sobriety, please reach out to Lantana Recovery today at (866) 997-2870.
