Trauma is something that stays with us our whole lives. Even when we're doing great, it lives with us in different ways, sometimes triggered in unexpected ways and sometimes affecting us in unexpected ways. Traumatic events like this week's mass shooting may re-trigger trauma for many. One of the ways it can affect us is in our sleep, but there are ways you can treat trauma related sleep issues, and of course other PTSD symptoms.
Tuck, an organization that aims to improve sleep hygiene, health, and wellness, put together an article specifically about how trauma affects sleep, and it helps to explain some of the sleep issues that a person can experience as a result of trauma, and how to treat it. Prior to reading this article, I assumed most of my own sleep issues are related to my active mind and vivid imagination, which maybe in part they are. It is very rare I do not remember a dream, and while some are very normal, but vivid dreams, many are quite active and sometimes bizarre and evening frightening. After reading the article, I realized that my issues with falling asleep and staying asleep, and the nightmares I have could very well be linked to trauma. Thus, it's something I'm exploring and encourage anyone who has sleep issues that could be related to trauma also explore this. As the Tuck article references, there are ways to treat trauma related sleep issues, including different types of therapy and sleep restrictions. If you are suffering from sleep issues, whether that's insomnia, having trouble falling asleep and/or staying asleep, frequent nightmares, know that you are not alone and that there is help out there. Check out the Tuck article and find the most suitable form of help for yourself. https://www.tuck.com/trauma-and-sleep/ BIG LOVE & HUGS Love, ​Justine
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