Why PTSD can Affect Sleep Quality and Lead to Nightmares
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can have a detrimental effect on a person’s sleep quality, and cause nightmares to occur. Being a chronic disorder, PTSD can lead to problems with physical and emotional health, as well as negatively impact a person’s quality of life. Nightmares caused by PTSD can occur due to triggers from past trauma, as well as difficulty managing daily stressors. It is important to understand how the disorder is affecting your sleep quality in order to try to find a solution.
When attempting to rest, people with PTSD often find it difficult to actually fall asleep and stay asleep. They can experience higher levels of stress and anxiety, need more time to wind down, and be more sensitive to environmental noises. Nightmares often occur as a result of volatile emotions, leading to further insomnia and upheaval of sleep. People with PTSD can also find it difficult to get into a regular sleep cycle and require more time to rest and recharge.
Understanding Nightmares and Sleep Patterns
Nightmares and sleep disturbances are often the result of a stressful event, which can be either severe or minor. For people suffering from PTSD, nightmares can often be a result of a particularly bad memory, referred to as a “trigger” that has been repressed in the mind. Even seemingly innocuous events can trigger nightmares in some people, with each person’s experiences being unique.
Stress and anxiety-related conditions such as PTSD can create sleep patterns that are disruptive or even hazardous to long-term health. People with PTSD sometimes struggle to stop themselves from thinking about the event and suffer insomnia as a result. Nightmares can make it difficult for people to relax and can lead to severe sleep deprivation.
Managing PTSD-Related Nightmares
Managing nightmares related to PTSD is complicated. Generally, the best approach is to make changes to lifestyle and mindset. To begin, creating a consistent sleep-wake schedule and engaging in healthy activities prior to bedtime are key. It is important to try and avoid consuming drugs or alcohol in order to sleep. Starting a journal to record dreams and trace any patterns can be helpful in identifying triggers. Finally, practice relaxation exercises, such as deep breathing or meditation, before bed to reduce physical and mental tension.
Talking to a doctor or therapist is also recommended if you are struggling to cope with PTSD-related nightmares. Medications can be prescribed for conditions such as anxiety and depression, to help reduce displays of symptoms and give you the best chance of getting a good night’s rest. Furthermore, a therapist can help you learn coping methods and find healing strategies that can help you manage the PTSD-related nightmares.
Tips for Managing PTSD-Related Nightmares
- Create a consistent sleep-wake schedule
- Engage in healthy activities prior to bedtime
- Avoid consuming drugs or alcohol to sleep
- Start a journal to record dreams and trace patterns
- Practice relaxation exercises before bed
- Talk to a doctor or therapist
- Consider medications prescribed for anxiety and depression
- Learn coping methods and find healing strategies
Conclusion
Nightmares and disrupted sleep can be caused by PTSD and can add to the physical and emotional effects of the disorder. It is important to understand the disorder and how it is affecting your sleep quality in order to find a solution. By making changes to lifestyle and mindset, and talking to a doctor or therapist, people suffering from PTSD can find ways to better manage nightmares and improve sleep quality.