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How Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Affects Sleep



Learn how you can get a better night's sleep even with PTSD

PTSD and sleeping

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) goes by many names, but fear, pain and restlessness are typically present no matter what you call it. Approximately 3.5% of American adults are affected by PTSD every year and one in eleven will receive a PTSD diagnosis in their lifetime. Thanks to MySlumberYard.com there are ways to get to sleep and stay asleep.

According to the American Psychiatric Association, (PTSD) is a psychiatric disorder that may occur in those who have gone through or witnessed a traumatic event such as a natural disaster, a serious accident, a terrorist act, war/combat, or who have been threatened with violence. The events that trigger PTSD can fall in a wide range and are not limited to the list above; in fact, some may experience PTSD when a loved one experiences something traumatic.

Adults with PTSD are more prone to insomnia, whether sleep latency (the amount of time it takes to fall asleep) or remaining asleep. Studies show that insomnia is a hyperarousal symptom of PTSD and one of the very most common among people with PTSD.

READ MORE: How service dogs can help with sleep safety

It can wreak havoc on intended bedtimes, keeping you up for hours on end while the clock hands continue to slowly tick by without relief. Others may find sleep, only to relive their traumas over again in vivid nightmares of the traumatic event.

When you have PTSD, it is especially important to find ways to fall asleep without the use of any potentially harmful substances.

There are many ways that you find sleep naturally without the use of any medications or drugs. They list some of their favorites in the full article which you can read here. They also offer advice on coping strategies, creating a sleep-friendly environment and a list of resources.

Even if you don't suffer from PTSD but know someone who does, they offer some do's and don'ts on helping friends and family members.

Courtesy of MySlumberYard.com



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