What is The Relationship Between PTSD & Insomnia

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and insomnia are intricately linked conditions that profoundly affect an individual's well-being. PTSD is a mental health condition triggered by witnessing or experiencing a traumatic event, while insomnia is a sleep disorder marked by challenges in falling asleep, maintaining sleep, or achieving restorative sleep. The co-occurrence of PTSD and insomnia is common, reflecting the complex interplay between trauma and sleep.

The Connection Between PTSD and Insomnia

A wealth of research underscores a significant correlation between PTSD and insomnia, with findings indicating that up to 70% of individuals grappling with PTSD also endure sleep disturbances. This association can be traced back to several PTSD-related symptoms, such as hyperarousal, nightmares, and recurrent, intrusive thoughts, which naturally contribute to sleep difficulties.

Common Symptoms of PTSD and Insomnia

PTSD manifests through a variety of symptoms, including symptoms that make it challenging to sleep well including flashbacks, nightmares, intrusive thoughts, and heightened arousal states. Insomnia includes difficulties in initiating or maintaining sleep, premature awakenings, or unrefreshing sleep. Many PTSD patients also use higher rates of alcohol or cannabis for their sleep problems, which has shown to actually worsen symptoms of both PTSD and insomnia. These sleep disruptions can exacerbate PTSD symptoms, creating a debilitating cycle of sleep deprivation and aggravated mental health conditions.

How PTSD Can Cause Insomnia

The path from PTSD to insomnia can be paved by multiple mechanisms. Hyperarousal, a core symptom of PTSD, introduces a state of increased alertness and physiological readiness that can significantly hinder the ability to relax and sleep. Moreover, the traumatic memories and nightmares that individuals with PTSD often encounter can further disturb sleep, making restful nights elusive. Insomnia is often then maintained by poor sleep practices as a result including naps during the day, sleep cycles being thrown off, going to sleep and waking up at different times, increased caffeine intake, and negative associations with bed, which all further sleep disruption. 

The Influence of Insomnia on PTSD

The presence of insomnia can intensify the symptoms of PTSD. Sleep deprivation amplifies hyperarousal symptoms, complicates emotional regulation, and impedes stress management. Furthermore, inadequate sleep can deteriorate cognitive functions, such as memory and focus, complicating the recovery journey from PTSD. Thus, addressing insomnia is a critical component in the comprehensive management of PTSD.

Navigating PTSD-Related Insomnia with Professional Support

For those navigating the dual challenges of PTSD and insomnia, seeking professional guidance is pivotal. Mental health professionals, including psychologists and psychiatrists, can conduct thorough assessments and devise personalized treatment plans. These plans may integrate therapeutic interventions, pharmacological solutions, and lifestyle adjustments to mitigate the symptoms of both PTSD and insomnia.

How Does CPT Therapy Help Heal PTSD-Related Insomnia?

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), a variant of cognitive-behavioral therapy, stands out as a potent treatment for PTSD-related insomnia. CPT endeavors to alter the maladaptive thoughts and beliefs tethered to the traumatic event, thereby alleviating PTSD symptoms, including those affecting sleep.

CPT engages individuals in frequent therapeutic sessions across a designated timeframe, providing them with strategies to identify, challenge, and reframe detrimental thought patterns. Furthermore, it equips individuals with coping mechanisms and enhances sleep hygiene practices. The efficacy of CPT in ameliorating PTSD symptoms and improving insomnia has been substantiated, offering those affected a pathway to a more restful and fulfilling life.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of PTSD and insomnia, we encourage you to book a free consultation with Nema to see if our evidence-based treatment is right for you, and can help relieve your symptoms on your way to healing.

About The Author:

Chloe Findley, LPC (She/Her)
Licensed Professional Counselor

Chloe Findley is a licensed therapist with 8 years of experience, specializing in trauma recovery for first responders, veterans, and individuals affected by sexual assault and suicidal ideation. Her background includes extensive work at UCF RESTORES, where she focused on PTSD treatment for underserved populations. Chloe is dedicated to helping clients rediscover their resilience and recovery through trauma-focused therapy. She holds certifications in Cognitive Processing Therapy and Trauma Management Therapy, and earned her graduate degree from the University of Florida.

‍