In this episode,
Gregory tackles the complex relationship between trauma and insomnia, exploring why traditional sleep advice often fails trauma survivors. Through
personal experiences, listener stories, and research-backed insights, he explains how
trauma rewires the brain's sleep mechanisms and creates a "paradoxical vigilance" where the body is exhausted but the nervous system remains on high alert.
Most importantly, Gregory offers practical, trauma-informed strategies that work with—rather than against—your hypervigilant nervous system.
Key Takeaways- 70-90% of people with PTSD report sleep disturbances—it's a core symptom, not a side effect
- Trauma creates "paradoxical vigilance" where your body is tired but your nervous system stays alert
- Many trauma survivors experience worst sleep difficulties between 2-4 AM when cortisol naturally dips
- Addressing sleep disturbances can significantly improve overall trauma healing
- Insomnia isn't a personal failure—it's your body trying to protect you
What You'll Discover- Why traditional sleep hygiene advice often falls short for trauma survivors
- How neuroimaging shows trauma changes brain activity during sleep transitions
- Creative adaptations other survivors have developed for better rest
- Practical tools for grounding yourself during middle-of-the-night panic
- How to create a buffer zone between daytime activation and sleep
Resources Mentioned- Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine study on paradoxical vigilance in trauma survivors
- UC Berkeley Sleep and Neuroimaging Laboratory research on trauma and REM sleep
- 2019 meta-analysis in Journal of Traumatic Stress on cognitive-behavioral approaches for trauma-related sleep
- University of Arizona's Sleep Research Laboratory findings on targeted sleep interventions
- National Center for PTSD research on sleep disturbances following trauma exposure
Next Episode Preview Next week, we'll build on this foundation with "Building a Night Routine for Better Sleep with CPTSD," where we'll explore how to create consistent, trauma-informed bedtime rituals that signal safety to your nervous system.
📩 Have questions or want to share your experience? Reach out at
[email protected].
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