Sleep Problems When Suffering From PTSD

Sleep Problems When Suffering From PTSD PTSD Related Conditions Print Sleep Problems When You Have PTSD By Matthew Tull, PhD twitter Matthew Tull, PhD is a professor of psychology at the University of Toledo, specializing in post-traumatic stress disorder. Learn about our editorial policy Matthew Tull, PhD Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on August 05, 2016 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on June 24, 2019 Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Overview Symptoms & Diagnosis Causes & Risk Factors Treatment Living With In Children Peter Glass / Design Pics / Getty Images In This Article Table of Contents Expand Sleep Problems in PTSD Causes Nightmares Hyperarousal Sleep Apnea Loss of Control Coping and Getting Help Stick to a Schedule Pay Attention to Your Eating and Drinking Habits Healthy Sleeping Habits Try to Relax A Word From Verywell View All It is very common for people with a diagnosis of PTSD to experience some type of problem sleeping. In fact, difficulty falling and/or staying asleep is considered one of the hyperarousal symptoms of PTSD, and studies have found that sleep problems are one of the most commonly reported symptoms reported by people with PTSD. Sleep Problems in PTSD People with PTSD may experience a number of different types of sleep problems. Many people with PTSD have difficulties falling asleep as compared to people without PTSD. In fact, one study of Vietnam veterans found that almost half of those with PTSD said that they have trouble falling asleep at night, whereas only 13 percent without PTSD said that they have this problem. In addition, PTSD may make it difficult to stay asleep during the night. In the same study mentioned above, 9 out of 10 veterans with PTSD said that they often have trouble staying asleep during the night. People with PTSD may wake up frequently during the night, have difficulty falling back asleep, or may wake up earlier than they intended. Also, even if sleep does occur, it is often not good, effective sleep (for example, there may be a lot of movement or talking/yelling during sleep). Of course, nightmares are also very common among people with PTSD. Nightmares are considered one of the re-experiencing symptoms of PTSD. Among people with PTSD, nightmares may be about the traumatic event a person experienced or they may be about some other upsetting or threatening event. Finally, because of these sleep problems, people with PTSD often develop fears about going to sleep. They may experience worries or thoughts about their traumatic event as soon as they go to bed. They may also fear acting out their nightmares while asleep or impulsively upon being woken up from a nightmare, leading them to sleep alone away from their partners. Causes Sleep problems are often one of the more difficult symptoms of PTSD to treat and the exact causes of these sleep problems in PTSD are not really well known.   Nightmares It has been suggested that the nightmares of PTSD (or the fear of having a nightmare) result in difficulties falling or staying asleep. As people experience more nightmares and resultant waking, the nightmares may actually begin to trigger waking in order to escape the arousal that goes along with having a nightmare. Hyperarousal Sleep problems among people with PTSD may also be the result of experiencing frequent symptoms of hyperarousal. Constantly being on guard, tense, and on edge may interfere with ones ability to fall and/or stay asleep. A person may be more sensitive to sounds while asleep, and as a result, be more likely to wake up even in response to minor sounds. Sleep Apnea Researchers havent yet begun to explore why people with PTSD may be more likely to develop sleep apnea. But it is known that people with PTSD often show many sleep apnea risk factors. For example, they may be more prone than people without PTSD to: Have high blood pressureBe overweightSmokeHave  diabetes  or other  physical health problemsAbuse alcohol Sleep apnea is a common and treatable condition. Loss of Control People with PTSD may also view going to sleep as a loss of control. The lack of awareness and control that comes with sleeping may be frightening for a person with PTSD, thereby further intensifying arousal and interfering with sleep. Finally, the sleep problems connected with PTSD may lead to a problematic cycle. Because of a lack of sleep during the night, a person may sleep more during the day, leading to greater difficulties falling asleep at night. Coping and Getting Help Sleep problems are important to address because poor sleep can lead to a number of other problems. A lack of sleep or poor sleep quality can be a factor contributing to stress and mood problems. Poor sleep can also have a negative impact on your physical health. Changing sleep habits may be helpful in improving your ability to fall asleep. Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do to improve your sleep. Stick to a Schedule Sleep problems can be avoided by exercising during the day. However, make sure to avoid exercise within six hours of your bedtime because that can keep you awake late at night. With that in mind, its also important  to stick to a regular sleep schedule, so youre accustomed to going to bed at the same time every night. Pay Attention to Your Eating and Drinking Habits Avoid eating heavy meals before going to bed; however, make sure that you do not go to bed hungry. Either move can disrupt your sleep schedule. You should also reduce the amount of caffeine and nicotine that you consume during the day. Avoid drinking caffeine after lunchtime, and do not smoke before going to bed.  Avoid consuming alcohol within six hours of your bedtime as well. Healthy Sleeping Habits Try to avoid or limit naps during the day, especially after 3 p.m.  Forcing yourself to fall asleep will never work. If you are having a hard time falling asleep after 20 to 30 minutes, get up out of bed and try to do something relaxing (for example, drinking tea, reading a book). Do not return to bed until you feel drowsy. Try to make your bedroom a relaxing place, and try to limit your activities in the bedroom. For example, do not eat, watch television, check email on your laptop or talk on the phone in bed. Your bedroom should be associated with sleep. Try to keep your bedroom at a cool and comfortable temperature.  Use a white noise machine, earplugs, or an eye mask to help block out any distracting noises or light. Try to Relax Practice relaxation exercises before bed to release muscle tension and slow down your breathing.  Many people experience worry when they go to bed at night. Practice mindfulness of thoughts to separate yourself from these worries. Use medications for sleep cautiously and only under a physicians supervision.  Find ways to express and process unpleasant emotions and thoughts. Some sleep problems may be due to a person not adequately coping with stress. Journal or seek out social support to limit the amount of stress that you carry into your sleep. A Word From Verywell It may also be important to obtain treatment for your PTSD. Given that many of the sleep problems experienced by people with PTSD are thought to result from the symptoms of PTSD, a reduction of those symptoms may also improve your sleep. You can find out more information about treatment providers in your area who might offer PTSD treatments through UCompare HealthCare, as well as the Anxiety Disorder Association of America. However, it is important to note that people sometimes find that their sleep problems remain even after the successful treatment of PTSD. Therefore, it may be important to also seek out assistance from doctors that specialize in sleep problems.