Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can make life very hard. It impacts your thoughts, feelings, and way of living every day. Sleep problems can be considered one of the greatest issues for people with PTSD.
At XTRA Care Clinic LLC, your trusted Mental Health and Wellness Center in Dallas, TX, we understand how closely sleep and PTSD are linked, and we’re here to help you restore both.
Let’s talk about how sleep matters when living with PTSD and how you can get help.
Why Is Sleep So Important?
Sleep is not just about feeling rested. It keeps your body and brain working well. If you don’t sleep well, you may:
- React slowly
- Forget things easily
- Feel angry or moody
- Have a hard time thinking clearly
- Feel sad or think about hurting yourself
With time, bad sleep may result in severe conditions as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and others.
At XTRA Care Clinic, we take your sleep concerns seriously. At our thorough screening service, we assess health and wellness risks to identify them earlier, then develop an individualized strategy tailored to you.
How PTSD Affects Sleep
Almost everyone with PTSD has trouble sleeping. At XTRA Care Clinic, we regularly see patients with these common sleep issues caused by trauma:
- Nightmares
Individuals can even dream of the trauma they experienced. These dreams are extremely realistic. They can scare someone to sleep or wake them in the dead of the night.
- Insomnia
PTSD may cause difficulties in falling or maintaining sleep. Most of our patients at XTRA Care Clinic inform us that they do not get good sleep at night, or they wake up early in the morning.
- Always Feeling “On Alert”
After trauma, the body feels like it has to stay on guard. This can make it hard to relax, even in bed.
- Avoiding Sleep
Others do not sleep since they are afraid of either nightmares or flashbacks. They can, or they can be awake on purpose.
- Other Changes
- Talking or moving a lot while asleep
- Not liking silence and needing noise (like the TV) to fall asleep
- Light or sound disrupting sleep
The Link Between PTSD, Sleep Problems, and Substance Use
Several individuals, unfortunately, utilize alcohol, marijuana, or other drugs to manage sleep problems. At XTRA Care Clinic, we provide Suboxone treatment and other recovery services. Self-medicating can worsen your situation.
These substances:
- Lower sleep quality
- Raise health risks
- Increase the chances of addiction
- May cause suicidal thoughts
If you’re facing both PTSD and substance use, you’re not alone, and we’re here to help.
Can Therapy Help with Sleep and PTSD?
Yes. Therapy is one of the most effective tools for improving both PTSD symptoms and sleep.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
At XTRA Care Clinic LLC, we provide CBT, a time-tested and effective talk therapy that assists patients in overcoming the following:
- Learn to combat the thoughts that cause sleep disturbance
- Establish healthier bedtime habits
- Feel more in control of emotions and stress
CBT is also very effective in decreasing the levels of anxiety, nightmares, and hyperarousal, all of which lead to an enhancement in the quality of sleep.
The experience in our treatment sessions will equip you with actual healing tools, which can be in person or virtual.
What Is Sleep Hygiene?
Sleep hygiene means making better choices for better rest, including:
- No caffeine close to bedtime
- No screens in bed
- Going to sleep and waking up at the same time every day
Sleep hygiene is a small part of the bigger CBT program. At XTRA Care Clinic, our team supports you in building long-term, sustainable sleep health.
What About Sleep Medications?
We understand that sleep medications are sometimes necessary, and at XTRA Care Clinic, we offer safe medication management and refills. However, we also help you understand the risks:
- Daytime sleepiness
- Brain fog or memory issues
- Dependence or addiction
Benzodiazepines and Z-drugs are not our first choice for PTSD. We combine therapy with other safe treatments to help you heal.
PTSD and Sleep Apnea
Many people with PTSD also have sleep apnea. It is a condition whereby the respiratory process ceases and restarts when one is sleeping. It can cause you to feel worn out during the day, as you may have slept the entire night.
Report to your doctor in case you realize that you snore so much, and one time you find that you pause in breathing when you are asleep.
The usual treatment is the use of a CPAP machine, which is expected to help you breathe better during the night. This can also help PTSD symptoms.
Final Thoughts: How Sleep Matters When Living With PTSD
Sleep is not just something nice, it’s something we all need to feel okay. Good sleep will be even more important when a person suffers from PTSD.
It is beneficial to the brain in the process of healing, the body to rest, and the heart to be safe.
If you face issues with sleep and PTSD, don’t hesitate to ask for guidance. We’re here to help at XTRA Care Clinic LLC. Let’s build a treatment plan that works for you. Call us today or request an appointment.
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FAQs
Q: Can PTSD go away with better sleep alone?
No, sleep helps, but it is not a cure. It works best with therapy and other support strategies.
Q: What are natural remedies for PTSD-related insomnia?
Herbal teas, melatonin, mindfulness, and magnesium can help, but always check with a doctor first.
Q: Can kids with PTSD also have sleep problems?
Absolutely. Children may have trouble falling asleep, experience nightmares, or fear the dark after trauma.