Post Traumatic Stress Support Group

Woke up this morning after sleeping the entire night without a nightmare in months. I think i was so exhausted i finally just "passed out". I woke up so refreshed and happy and it got me thinking how much i miss just actually being able to sleep. That feeling where you would go to bed at night thinking that the next time you would open your eyes, it would be morning. I havent had the feeling in so long. Is there anything that has helped you guys be able to sleep? Any tips or tricks? I normally have 1-2 nightmares each night where i wake up screaming or crying and trying to fight off my boyfriend sleeping next to me.

A little bit about me: I was molested as a child by my cousin, date raped in high school and ended a relationship last year where i suffered E/M/P/S abuse. I was diagnosed last year with PTSD after i left my ex and finally got counciling.

Sunshine. Yes there is something you can do that will help you get you mind of of things before you go to sleep. What i do is if i have things on my mine just before bed i write about my thoughts in a journal. If i don't do this it is all constantly on my mind and that's when i have bad nights and nightmares. I have been journaling ever since my abduction and sexual abuse. I am planing to put my story and experience in a book or even perhaps a movie someday. Will have to see. But yes there are lots of things you can do. There is even meditation, Yoga, Tie Che, In those wavelength. I would not give up the counseling. Counseling is very inportant for the healing prosses. But we have to take these baby steps inorder to aceave our goals. This can't be rushed. There is hope in the air and all around you. It's all within your reach. Never give up hope. Wecome to our group.

( Hope To Cope ) Scott

Sunshine0826: Journaling is very important in dealing with PTSD. I've been journaling for quite sometime and find it relaxing when it seems like everything is closing in on me. Just remember to let the thoughts leave your brain, travel down your arm, into your hand and through the pen on paper. Don't think about what you are writing. It is important that you get your thoughts out of your head during the day so that they do not keep you awake when you go to be to try to sleep or be expressed through your nightmares. I myself use journaling to relax, cross stitch, crocheting, reading, etc. to relax before I go to bed. Basically what I am doing, is using anything and everything I can to relax before I go to bed so that I am relaxed and ready to go to sleep when I go to bed and can sleep through the night. Welcome to our group. Just sit back and listen to others until you are comfortable talking or just join in now and feel free to express yourself. Midget53

I have developed a routine to help me get more restful sleep. I can't say that it has completely stopped the nightmares but it has helped me actually slow down my mind before bed. I try not to watch TV or go on the internet at least an hour before bed and try to pamper myself. The aroma lotions, the touch of a brush on my hair, the sound of soothing music in the background. It's like giving myself a peaceful setting before battling sleep.

Cheryl

The relaxation and journaling both sound good. I know that I do not sleep enough. The stinging in my body does make it tough to fall asleep, but Fibro is not the only problem. I have parasites. What if the undiagnosed parasite were the cause of Fibro symptoms. Symptoms are the same! Parasites eat your cells and attack your nerves. The pain of nerves travel all over the body!

I try to exercise enough each day as well. If I am tired enough I sleep. For me 1 to 2 hours of biking or walking is good. I can't afford a gym right now, but I used to do that as well. I make up for the short nights sleep by napping on the days I don't work or work half days. It isn't perfect, but it is what keeps me from being a constant zombie. My symptoms are much much worse if I don't get enough sleep so it is a vicious cycle. I have fewer bad dreams since I have moved away from my husband. Journaling can stir things up for me, so I can't do it at night. I have more trouble getting to sleep, but the bad dreams make the sleep into small segments too. I hope you find peace.

Just joined but I agree with everyone journaling is great. I also took up meditateing/ deep breathing. Actually start practicing deep breathing and it works up to meditation. Of course it is not 514am and I have not gone to sleep yet. But I try to not let it stress me out and go with the flow more; meditation helps.

It was interesting for me to see my original post come up 2 years later. I am happy to say that the nightmares have gotten better. I have found that if i avoid talking, journaling or watching anything that reminds me of the abuse close before bed, i can sleep through the night. After my first nightmare if i cant fall right back asleep, i will get out of bed, make myself a cup of tea and watch something on tv that im not too involoved in watching. Normally within 30 mins im dosing off and then i return to bed.

lol funny as you can see I posted at 631am and I had not slept yet and was searching for some answers. Nice to see that it does get better though thank you.

People have already given good suggestions. I also have a vaporizer that I put nice smelling oil into, a large stuffed animal to snuggle with (I use him when hubby is with the army but maybe a good idea if the boyfriend is getting assaulted in your sleep), my faithful dog to protect me and a cd of music that was developed by a neurologist that puts the brain into beta waves. I even use the cd during work if I start feeling anxious. The army also makes a "chill drill." I listen to it before bed. Here's the number to order one: 1-800-342-9647. Civilians can get one for a nominal fee.