Are you having PTSD nightmares? Most likely, it’s already bad enough to endure the flashbacks and the persistent memories. But, the nightmares that plague an average of 80% of PTSD sufferers seem like an extra torture.
How can a PTSD sufferer go on for long, making any progress toward recovery, if sleep is constantly disrupted by these disruptions, replayed scenes, or frightening themes connected to the trauma? Likely, this can go on, playing nightly in your head for weeks, months, even years.
Unfortunately, the toll PTSD nightmares puts on an already taxed mind is intense. Often times, they create deeper problems or push the sufferer toward unhealthy coping. Without proper rest, PTSD can start to overwhelm and further strain you during the waking hours. Coping with the stress of relationship pressures, and job responsibilities can begin to seem impossible.
Sadly, families and trauma victims alike are often pushed to the breaking point by terrifying dreams. Not to mention, nightmare sufferers need help to cope before less productive means of escape take hold, like substance abuse or eating disorders. Plus, depression and anxiety compound the emotional pain. Obviously, dysfunctional sleep makes treatment of daytime symptoms that much more challenging.
If you or someone you know is struggling with PTSD nightmares, these 4 tips could make life easier:
1. Consider possible breathing disorders.
Recent research indicates that a high number of PTSD sufferers also suffer from sleep apnea. In addition, PTSD is linked to dysfunctional REM (dream) sleep and overblown processing emotion while asleep. It is thought that the sleep disorders restrict oxygen and inhibit normal attempts for the body and brain to soothe themselves, so nightmares worsen. Thankfully, recent studies have shown great promise for resolving PTSD nightmares by first treating sleep problems.
2. Rewrite the PTSD nightmares.
Imagery Rehearsal Treatment is considered a cognitive-behavioral treatment. Basically, a therapist helps the nightmare sufferer "rescript" their nightmares while awake. Dr. Barry Krakow, director of the PTSD Sleep Clinic, teaches trauma victims to rehearse non-distressing, detailed endings to their dreams. Noting, it significantly helps reduce the frequency and intensity of PTSD-related nightmares.
3. Keep a dream journal and/or glossary of common and recurring symbols.
Look for repetitive people, places, and objects. Also, consider the nightmare’s emotions and conflict continually at play. As well as, determine whether anything meaningful is happening. Surprisingly, you may discover that you and a therapist can gather enough information to help you understand and resolve key emotional challenges. In the hope that it may help enough to alleviate the nightmares.
4. Try Somatic Therapy.
Physical fear responses occur as nightmares occur. This includes, sweating, racing pulse, and thrashing in bed are all part of the frightening episodes. With that said, a body centered therapy like Somatic Therapy uses movement and sensations to safely allow your body to work through both the physical and emotional aspects of the trauma. As a result, many clients find this therapy eases the fear response significantly.
5. Try Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing or EMDR Therapy.
When trauma happens, memories, emotions, images and sensations get "locked" in the nervous system and can manifest through dreams. Luckily, EMDR Therapy is an evidence-based therapy that helps desensitize the charge associated with the event and the negative beliefs that were created. Another key point, EMDR Therapy reprocesses the event and allows for a new more positive belief to surface. Commonly, nightmares are one symptom of PTSD and can take a toll on your emotional well-being. You’ll need help coping. But, PTSD nightmares can stop.
If you would like some extra support overcoming nightmares and finding peace at night, look no further. By all means, I am a compassionate counselor and can help you find calm and rest. Please contact me for a free minute consultation to learn about how I can be of service.
To find out more about my services click here: PTSD Treatment. Serving Boulder, Longmont, Denver..
