Dear Dayne~
I'm afraid nightmares, broken and less sleep, being awake
for long periods just lying there, plus all the factors associated with tiredness
as a result are a common legacy of PTSD. (I get grumpy and a brain full of cotton wool)
I have found as time has gone on that nightmares become less frequent
and less potent. Nowadays the only come after a period of high stress or if an
event is itself too reminiscent of the past.
Ive’ tried all sorts, and sadly have not always found my
partner’s comfort helped (I’m not complaining, she is marvelous.) I guess the normal
sleep hygiene things can help, though for me at least it has been the devastating
effect the dreams have had on wakening that has been the worst thing. Used
to be frightened to go to bed.
One thing I do is have set rigid routine on waking, no exceptions. If my
wife is still asleep I’ll quietly get up and make a hot drink. At the same time, I’ve had some success with writing
down the dream (no great detail needed) and then tacking a happy or different ending
on the end. This might sound very silly, of course what has happened is fixed,
however perhaps it is the act of writing and trying to mentally conjure up a
happy scenario to end it that make the difference -dunno.
A helicopter full of water on the way to a bushfire has helped
when the pilot pressed the release button while he was in a daydream was one
such scenario. Then I started to wonder what the pilot might have been
day-dreaming about. Occupied the mind
quite well.
So give it a try, can’t hurt. I destroy my writing after, do not want
reminders around.
Ear plugs have enabled me first wife to sleep with me, I
snore.
I believe there is some specific medication that may assist -
ask your doctor.
Sorry I’ve no magic fix, treating the underlying PSTD and associated illnesses is a sensible approach. You are
not alone though
Croix
