Techniques and transitions: A sociological analysis of sleeping practices amongst recovering heroin users

► Qualitative interviews undertaken with 40 recovering heroin users in England cast light on the complexities of learning to sleep. ► The data provide novel insights into the sleeping practices and problems of recovering heroin users. ► The embodied biographies of heroin users hinder attempts to establish or restore healthy sleeping routines. ► Psycho-social and material circumstances can foster sleep but the accumulation of sleep as habitual action is also crucial.