|
   previous page, next page |
||
| Guide to Recovering from PTSD Contents Introduction Anger Anxiety Chronic Pain Compulsion Confusion Crisis Delusions Denial Dependence Depression Grief Guilt Loneliness Negative Self-Concept (Low Self Esteem) Obesity Obsessions Passive-Agressive Behavior Phobia Rape Trauma Syndrome Sleep Disorders Substance Abuse Suicidal Behavior or Ideation Suspiciousness/Paranoia Withdrawn Behavior information copyright | What are sleep disorders?
When you are diagnosed with a sleep disorder you either sleep too much, which is called hypersomnia, or you cannot sleep much at all. That is called insomnia. Disordered sleep can begin and gather steam secondary to any of the other PTSD symptoms. A diagnosis of PTSD almost certainly means you will have sleep disturbance of some sort. It will help you to find out why you are not sleeping soundly. Most adults benefit from about eight hours of sleep every night and lack energy when they begin going to bed too late or stay in bed too long. In veterans, sleep disturbance may be triggered by having seen a violent movie or news footage of a battle. Sleep disorders have physical and emotional symptoms which may include racing thoughts, nightmares, rapid heart beat, night sweats, headache, nausea, or other symptoms of anxiety as you struggle to sleep or not to sleep. If you begin to lack energy, yawn frequently throughout the day, feel the need to nap or cannot keep awake, you may suffer from a sleep disorder. Seek treatment. Please, do not wait. It is important to seek treatment for the root cause.
| How can I recover from a sleep disorder? With all the symptoms of PTSD reviewed in this booklet, getting a clear diagnostic picture from a qualified. provider is very important. The Vet Center is a wonderful and supportive place for any veteran to begin. You may need to see more than one professional to get the answers you need. A healthy consumer is an educated consumer! Finding the cause of sleep disorders is key to curing sleep disorders. To better cope with insomnia, avoid caffeine, alcohol, and all substances including nicotine. To help assist with nicotine use cessation, Nicotine patches, gum and inhalers (may) work for many and are readily available. For both insomnia and hypersomnia try gentle exercise, journaling your feelings, art therapy, neurofeedback, biofeedback, physical therapy, yoga, Reiki, walking a couple of hours before bed, get a pet, eat a bit earlier in the evening and do not eat after 6 p.m. Some find if they do not drink after 6 p.m. they are no longer awake at night. Remember, if you lie in bed without sleeping for 20 minutes, get up and do something! Then go back to bed, hopefully for good, quality sleep. These coping skills may be referred to as “sleep hygiene”. Avoid napping in the afternoon. Instead, join a group, perhaps a psychotherapy group, or volunteer at a hospital or school. You may find your service to others changes your outlook. Develop a pattern for bedtime. This takes time and his best done slowly. You are retraining your brain. Be patient. These skills are the same for insomnia and hypersomnia. The goal for sleep disorder sis good sleep quality and cycle in order to increase energy and boost good health. Medications can be utilized, hopefully short term.
|