CPTSD: Breaking the Social Anxiety Cycle

CPTSD: Breaking the Social Anxiety Cycle

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 cptsd@senseofthisshit.com.
💛 Join Our Supporters Club 💛 Go ad-free and help keep these vital conversations alive—Click Here

Jaksot(138)

Beat Burnout: Your Intro to Managing Emotional Exhaustion in Trauma Recovery

Beat Burnout: Your Intro to Managing Emotional Exhaustion in Trauma Recovery

In this episode, discover the essential first steps to reclaiming your energy and navigating the overwhelming feeling of emotional exhaustion that often accompanies trauma recovery. We're diving deep ...

18 Tammi 15min

CPTSD Breakthroughs: Your Intro to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

CPTSD Breakthroughs: Your Intro to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

In this episode, dive into the foundational principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as a powerful tool for understanding and navigating the complexities of CPTSD. Discover how CBT can help yo...

15 Tammi 47min

Emotional Flashbacks: How to Recognize When Your Past Hijacks Now

Emotional Flashbacks: How to Recognize When Your Past Hijacks Now

In this episode, we explore emotional flashbacks, one of the most confusing aspects of complex trauma that leaves people feeling blindsided by overwhelming emotions that seem to come from nowhere. Unl...

13 Tammi 46min

Everyday Gratitude: Start Your Healing Journey

Everyday Gratitude: Start Your Healing Journey

In this episode, discover how cultivating gratitude can be a powerful, accessible tool for navigating the complexities of CPTSD. We're diving deep into practical, everyday practices that can shift you...

11 Tammi 15min

Rewrite Your Trauma Story: Find Power & New Meaning

Rewrite Your Trauma Story: Find Power & New Meaning

In this episode, are you tired of feeling defined by your past? Do you long to break free from the hold of trauma and build a life filled with hope and resilience? This episode is your starting point ...

9 Tammi 39min

Reclaim Your Inner Peace: Mindfulness for CPTSD Healing

Reclaim Your Inner Peace: Mindfulness for CPTSD Healing

In this episode, discover how mindfulness can be a powerful tool for healing from complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD). Learn practical strategies to cultivate inner calm, self-compassion, a...

2 Tammi 15min

Heal Your Inner Child: Overcome Trauma & Rediscover Self-Compassion

Heal Your Inner Child: Overcome Trauma & Rediscover Self-Compassion

In this episode, you'll discover powerful strategies to heal the wounds of your past and reclaim your inner strength. Through self-compassion and trauma-informed techniques, you'll learn to navigate t...

29 Joulu 202539min

Reclaiming Your Power: Navigating Trauma Triggers

Reclaiming Your Power: Navigating Trauma Triggers

In this episode, we'll explore the sneaky, sometimes overwhelming triggers that can pop up for those of us living with Complex PTSD. You'll learn practical strategies to identify, understand, and mana...

26 Joulu 202514min

Suosittua kategoriassa Koulutus

rss-murhan-anatomia
psykopodiaa-podcast
voi-hyvin-meditaatiot-2
adhd-podi
rss-narsisti
aamukahvilla
rss-rahamania
rss-liian-kuuma-peruna
rahapuhetta
rss-vapaudu-voimaasi
psykologia
rss-koira-haudattuna
rss-eron-alkemiaa
rss-the-leafy-lounge
rss-duodecim-lehti
rss-valo-minussa-2
leikitaanko-laakaria
jari-sarasvuo-podcast
mielipaivakirja
rss-turun-yliopisto