Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, is a mental health condition that may develop after a person goes through or witnesses a traumatic event. These events could be life-threatening situations, severe accidents, natural disasters, or any experience that leaves a person feeling intensely fearful or helpless. Symptoms of PTSD often include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and an overwhelming need to avoid anything that reminds the person of the trauma. According to the National Center for PTSD, around 7-8% of people will experience PTSD at some point in their lives, though anyone who has been through trauma is at risk.
PTSD can affect people of any age, gender, or background. While it’s commonly associated with combat veterans, PTSD also affects survivors of accidents, abuse, and other types of trauma. Research shows that women are twice as likely as men to experience PTSD, likely due to higher rates of assault and domestic violence, while many first responders, such as police officers and firefighters, face elevated risks due to their work.
At Origins Texas Recovery, we help people with PTSD by offering tailored, trauma-informed care that empowers clients to reclaim control over their lives. Our compassionate team provides support and evidence-based therapies to help people build resilience and heal in a safe environment.
How PTSD Affects Sleep
Sleep problems are a common struggle for people with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). PTSD often brings nightmares and intense flashbacks, which can make falling and staying asleep incredibly difficult. Studies show that around 70-90% of people with PTSD report sleep disturbances, including insomnia, night terrors, and frequent waking. This lack of restful sleep not only wears down a person physically and emotionally but can also strain relationships.
In some cases, sleep disruptions related to PTSD may put loved ones at risk. People with PTSD can sometimes act out their nightmares physically, which might include thrashing, yelling, or even striking out in their sleep. This phenomenon, known as REM sleep behavior disorder, occurs when a person’s brain doesn’t fully “switch off” physical responses during dreaming. This can be scary for both the person experiencing the nightmare and anyone sleeping nearby.
What are PTSD Night Terrors?
For adults with PTSD, night terrors are more than just bad dreams—they are intense, often terrifying experiences that replay traumatic events or evoke deep fears. PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) occurs when someone experiences or witnesses a traumatic event, and night terrors can be one of its challenging symptoms.
Unlike regular bad dreams, PTSD night terrors are often vivid replays of traumatic events, bringing intense feelings of fear and panic. These episodes can happen suddenly and without warning, jolting the person out of sleep and sometimes leading to physical reactions as they relive traumatic moments. Statistics show that about 70% of people with PTSD experience these kinds of night terrors, often leading to chronic sleep problems and a decline in overall mental health.
Signs and Symptoms of PTSD Night Terrors
- Screaming or Shouting: People may suddenly start crying or shouting in their sleep, often in a state of intense fear.
- Physical Movements: Thrashing, kicking, or even jumping out of bed can occur during a night terror.
- Sweating and Rapid Heartbeat: Physical symptoms like sweating, a racing pulse, and heavy breathing are common.
- Confusion Upon Waking: If the person wakes up during a night terror, they might be confused and disoriented.
- No Memory of the Event: Often, people do not remember the night terror the next morning, even if it was very intense.
- Vocalizations: Besides screaming or shouting, people might also mumble, cry, or make other vocal sounds during a night terror.
- Panic Attacks: Some people might experience panic attacks during or immediately after experiencing a night terror, characterized by intense fear, chest pain, and a sense of impending doom.
- Sleepwalking: In some cases, people might get out of bed and walk around while still asleep, which can be dangerous.
- Aggressive Behavior: Occasionally, people might exhibit aggressive behavior during a night terror, such as hitting or pushing, which can be harmful to themselves or others.
- Difficulty Returning to Sleep: After a night terror, it can be challenging for the person to calm down and fall back asleep, leading to prolonged periods of wakefulness.
These signs and symptoms can be alarming for the person experiencing them and for loved ones who may witness these distressing episodes.
Night Terrors vs. Nightmares
Nightmares are unsettling dreams that occur during REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, and most people have had them at some point. A person typically wakes up from a nightmare and, while they may feel scared or shaken, they’re usually aware of what happened and can often recall details of the dream.
Night terrors, on the other hand, are more intense and occur during non-REM sleep, usually in the first few hours of the night. During a night terror, a person may scream, thrash, or show signs of extreme fear, but they’re often not fully awake. They may have no memory of the event afterward, leaving them confused about why they’re feeling panicked or exhausted.
What’s the Connection Between Night Terrors and PTSD?
For adults with PTSD, night terrors are more than just bad dreams—they are intense, often terrifying experiences that replay traumatic events or evoke deep fears. PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) occurs when someone experiences or witnesses a traumatic event, and night terrors can be one of its challenging symptoms. Research shows that people with PTSD are at a much higher risk of experiencing night terrors, with studies indicating that up to 70% of adults with PTSD struggle with severe sleep disturbances, including night terrors. These episodes occur as the brain tries to process traumatic memories, sometimes triggering vivid re-experiences of the trauma.
Examples of Night Terrors in Adults with PTSD
Combat Veterans Reliving Trauma
Veterans with PTSD might experience night terrors that mimic combat situations. During these episodes, they may shout or physically act out, as though they’re back on the battlefield. These night terrors often include feelings of fear, aggression, or a desperate need to escape, leaving them and their loved ones feeling distressed.
Survivors of Abuse or Assault
People who have experienced abuse or assault may have night terrors that involve reliving parts of their traumatic experience. They may scream, cry, or physically react as if they’re trying to protect themselves from harm, sometimes lashing out without realizing it.
First Responders and Night Terrors
First responders, like firefighters, police officers, and paramedics, may also experience PTSD night terrors, often involving situations where they felt helpless or witnessed a traumatic event. These episodes might trigger responses such as sudden movements, hyperventilating, or feeling trapped.
How to Cope with PTSD-Induced Night Terrors
Managing night terrors caused by PTSD can feel overwhelming, but there are ways to reduce their impact and improve sleep quality. Creating a calming bedtime routine can help relax the mind and prepare it for restful sleep. This might include practices like deep breathing, meditation, or gentle stretching to ease tension. Practicing these routines consistently can signal to the brain that it’s time to unwind, making night terrors less likely.
If you have a loved one struggling with night terrors, understand that waking them abruptly during an episode might cause confusion or distress. Instead, wait until the episode passes, offering gentle words of comfort if they become partially awake. Afterward, you can help by creating a calm environment and reassuring them that they’re safe. Showing understanding and avoiding judgment can make a big difference, helping them feel safe and supported as they work toward recovery
Therapy, especially trauma-focused therapy, can also be highly effective. Techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) have been shown to help people process trauma, reducing the frequency and intensity of night terrors. In some cases, doctors may also suggest medication to help manage PTSD symptoms and improve sleep.
Seek Mental Health Support at Origins Texas Recovery
At Origins Texas Recovery, we understand that PTSD and night terrors often go hand-in-hand, creating a cycle of stress, sleep disruption, and emotional pain. To break this cycle, we offer a comprehensive approach that combines trauma-focused therapy with dual diagnosis treatment. This means we not only address the symptoms of PTSD but also any co-occurring mental health issues that may be worsening the distress. By tackling both aspects together, we help our clients regain control over their lives.
Therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma therapy, and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) are integral to our program. These therapies give our clients tools to process their trauma, reshape harmful thought patterns, and ease the emotional intensity of night terrors. Our dual diagnosis approach also addresses conditions like anxiety and depression, which frequently accompany PTSD, creating a holistic path to healing.
If you or a loved one is struggling with PTSD and night terrors, know that lasting relief is possible. At Origins Texas Recovery, we’re here to help you reclaim restful sleep, restore peace of mind, and move forward with confidence. Contact us today to begin the journey to healing in a safe and supportive environment.
