I'm So Tired... Why Can't I Sleep?

Almost everyone who has PTSD also has trouble sleeping. Insomnia is one of the most frequent symptoms.

Insomnia can make it hard to fall asleep, hard to stay asleep, or cause you to wake up too early and not be able to get back to sleep. You may still feel tired when you wake up. Insomnia can affect your energy level and mood, and even your health, work performance and quality of life.

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What is the best treatment for insomnia?

The best treatment for insomnia is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia, or CBT-I. This talk therapy improves sleep in 7 out of 10 people who complete it. Research also shows that CBT-I reduces how many nightmares people have and the distress related to upsetting dreams.

Mobile Apps CBT-i Coach is designed for use by people who are participating in CBT-I treatment guided by a healthcare professional. CBT-i Coach gives you a structured program to get your biological clock reset to make it easier to go to sleep and to sleep through the night. Insomnia Coach is a free mobile app that can help you improve your sleep and includes a guided, weekly training plan, tips for sleeping and personal feedback about your sleep, an interactive sleep diary, and 17 tools to help you get your sleep back on track. DOWNLOAD APPS

PTSD Bytes

Join us for these 12-minute-or-less talks with experts about technology resources you can use or share to help with PTSD.

PTSD and Insomnia

Sleep problems and PTSD can get better with treatment. Dr. Elissa McCarthy explains how Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) can help. Tune in to learn about CBT-I and the Insomnia Coach mobile app.

Shields & Stripes Helps Improve Mental Health For Veterans, First Responders

VA offers a wide range of mental health services with a goal to support recovery and enable Veterans who experience mental health problems to live meaningful lives in their communities and achieve their full potential. Shields & Stripes is one of a series of non-profit organizations that sports the same goal, with a focus on improving the health and wellness of Veterans, along with law enforcement personnel and first responders.

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February 6 Is Time to Talk Day

Time to Talk Day draws attention to mental health and the importance of reaching out to others. The day aims to help people open up and be honest about mental health, without the fear and stigma often attached to the topic. By opening up, the likelihood of the person suffering seeking help increases, which can be crucial to the healing process. On Time to Talk Day, help raise awareness about mental health and be a part of changing the narrative.

For more info on finding a provider to help with your PTSD diagnosis:

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