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Many people have trouble sleeping at times. However, this is more likely after you have been through a trauma such as an accident, war, assault, or disaster.
You may find you are sleeping too little, or too much, or having nightmares. If these symptoms don't go away, get worse over time or interfere with day to day life, you might need to see a doctor. Trouble sleeping and nightmares are also two symptoms of PTSD.
Sleep Tips
Learn ways to cope with trauma-related dreams and sleep problems:
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Coping with Traumatic Stress Reactions (En Español): Tips for coping with PTSD symptoms such as trauma-related dreams and difficulty falling or staying asleep.
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PTSD Coach Online: Use these tools to help you relax, form good sleep habits, and change how you think about sleep. Also see the Mobile App!
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CBT-i Coach (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia) Mobile App: This free mobile app can help you during treatment and includes sleep tips.
Caution on Sleep Medications
Using sleep and anti-anxiety medications like "benzos" (benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam, lorazepam, etc.) can create problems. These medications might help in the short term, but like alcohol and drugs, can have long term costs, such as serious addiction problems, misuse, and medical issues.
Importantly, benzos and other medications used for sleep may limit the effectiveness of PTSD treatments that can help. Talk to your doctor about treatment options.
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