How PTSD Affects Sleep
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and sleep have a complicated relationship with one another. Sleeping problems are one of the various signs and symptoms of PTSD. If someone already experiences sleeping problems, they may be more likely to develop PTSD in the future.
There is a connection between PTSD and sleep. Let’s learn more about how PTSD affects sleep.
How PTSD Affects Sleep
Sleep is an essential part of life. It’s what’s needed for a person to be able to function to the best of their ability each and every day. A lack of sleep can result in a number of different issues, internally and externally.
A lot of individuals who have PTSD have difficulty falling asleep at night and staying asleep throughout the night. If someone with PTSD is able to fall asleep, they’re usually woken up throughout the night by nightmares or night terrors, which can result in not feeling refreshed or rejuvenated when they wake up in the morning.
Insomnia
Insomnia is the sleep disorder that a lot of individuals who have PTSD experience. It’s what makes it more difficult for them to fall asleep at night and stay asleep throughout the night. Insomnia can also make it difficult for someone to fall back asleep after they’ve woken up a bit earlier than anticipated. If insomnia is left untreated, it can lead to other mental health issues and even negatively impact other areas of someone’s life, like their mood, relationships, and careers.
Nightmares & Night Terrors
While night terrors are commonly associated with children, adults can also experience them. Nightmares or night terrors cause individuals to wake up in the middle of the night. These nightmares can feel extremely real to someone with PTSD. It feels as if they’re reliving their traumatic event all over again. Because of how vivid these dreams are, it can be even more challenging to fall back asleep after experiencing a nightmare or night terror.
How to Sleep Better After Trauma
A traumatic experience can negatively impact anyone’s quantity and quality of sleep. Try to be patient with yourself during this time. Overcoming a traumatic event takes time and intentional work. While there won’t be immediate overnight changes, certain lifestyle changes can help you cope and sleep better after experiencing a traumatic event.
Stick to a Sleep Schedule
You can train your body and brain to naturally feel more tired at night and more awake and alert in the morning by getting on a sleep schedule and routine. Set alarms so you go to bed at the same time each night and wake up at the same time each morning, including on weekends. Over time, your body naturally adjusts to this consistent schedule and routine.
You can also work on your sleep hygiene. Install black-out curtains to keep your room dark, keep the temperature cool, and use a fan or noise machine to create white noise.
Try Relaxation Techniques
Falling asleep at night and staying asleep throughout the night can be harder for individuals who are struggling with high stress. Relaxation techniques can help get rid of some of that stress. These are just a few of the different relaxation techniques to try out:
Body scan
Deep breathing
Meditation
Yoga
Seek Professional Help
There isn’t a right or a wrong way to process trauma. Each person has to do it in their own way and on their own terms. Asking for help is one of the strongest and best things you can do for yourself. Working with a licensed and trained mental health professional can help you work towards a path of healing. Reach out today to learn more about how JoyFeel Therapy can help you cope and move forward in your life again.