PTSD Update: Manage Sleep Issues Related to PTSD

Veterans Health Administration sent this bulletin at 02/18/2025 01:00 PM EST

Manage Insomnnia and Other Sleep Problems

People with PTSD may try to push away traumatic memories during the day, which can cause worries to get worse at night. Nightmares and insomnia are both symptoms of PTSD. Those who experience sleep disruption may:

Avoid sleep due to nightmares or flashbacks
Have increased arm and leg movements or restlessness
Require background noise or lights to stay on during bedtime
Feel "on alert" or the need to protect oneself
Talk during sleep

Getting a good night's sleep can positively impact your daily life. If you or someone in your life experiences insomnia or other sleep problems, consider downloading the VA's Mobile Insomnia Coach app.

Insomnia Coach provides a training plan to guide you to better sleep over five weeks and beyond. Once you complete a self-assessment and log your daily sleep diary for a week, Insomnia Coach will provide you with personalized sleep feedback and tips to develop better sleeping habits. You can also view graphs that show your sleep patterns over time and set reminders for yourself to log your sleep each day or when it's time to wind down for sleep.

Get Insomnia Coach

PTSD Bytes Podcast

Navigating PTSD in the Workplace

In this episode of the PTSD Bytes podcast, doctors Becket-Davenport and McCarthy discuss the relationship between PTSD and workplace environments. PTSD symptoms can impact how one navigates the workplace and make it difficult to find and keep a job. Learn how to advocate for work accommodations and discover VA Mobile Mental Health Apps that can offer support.

Listen to the Podcast

VA Mobile App Spotlight

Reconnect with Your Partner Through Couples Coach

PTSD not only affects those experiencing it but can have a lasting impact on your relationships. Couples Coach assists partners who want to improve their relationship and explore new ways to connect. It also includes information specific to couples living with PTSD.

The app works best when used with your partner. Couples Coach includes dozens of missions—small commitments to improve your relationship—to work through on your own or with your partner. The app is not meant to replace professional couples counseling or care related to mental health conditions, such as PTSD.

Use Couples Coach

Self-Care Toolbox

Practice Self-Help with Coping Skills

PTSD or trauma-related symptoms can affect your daily life. You may experience avoiding tasks, isolating yourself from others, or having higher stress levels.

Recovery after a traumatic event is a process that takes time. Practice self-empowerment by taking direct action to cope with your stress reactions. Learn how you can use active coping to navigate PTSD and trauma symptoms.

Explore Coping Skills

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Produced by VA's National Center for PTSD - Executive Division

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