CPTSD: Breaking the Social Anxiety Cycle
C-PTSD: Let's Make Sense Of This Sh*t3 Nov 2025

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

Episoder(141)

Reclaiming Your Power: Coping with Trauma Memories

Reclaiming Your Power: Coping with Trauma Memories

In this episode, we'll explore practical strategies to help you navigate and heal from the unwanted memories and intrusive thoughts that often come with complex trauma. You'll learn how to reclaim you...

5 Des 202514min

Reclaiming Your Inner Strength: Navigating Family Dynamics with CPTSD

Reclaiming Your Inner Strength: Navigating Family Dynamics with CPTSD

In this episode, you'll discover powerful strategies to heal from the impact of complex trauma and build healthy relationships with your family. Whether you're struggling with boundaries, emotional tr...

3 Des 202542min

Reclaim Your Inner Strength: Healing Trauma Through Visualization

Reclaim Your Inner Strength: Healing Trauma Through Visualization

In this episode, discover how the power of visualization can help you overcome the emotional scars of trauma and reclaim your inner strength. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, PTSD, or feelings ...

1 Des 202515min

Inner Peace Reboot: Healing from Trauma and Forgiveness

Inner Peace Reboot: Healing from Trauma and Forgiveness

In this episode, you'll discover powerful strategies to find inner peace and heal from past traumas through the transformative process of forgiveness. Reclaim your self-worth, release emotional burden...

30 Nov 202515min

Reclaiming Your Self-Worth After CPTSD

Reclaiming Your Self-Worth After CPTSD

In this episode, you'll discover powerful strategies to rebuild your sense of self-worth and inner strength after experiencing complex trauma. Learn how to overcome feelings of shame, self-doubt, and ...

29 Nov 202544min

CPTSD: Rebuild Trust After Trauma - Nervous System Healing

CPTSD: Rebuild Trust After Trauma - Nervous System Healing

In this episode, Gregory explores trust issues after trauma with depth and compassion, breaking down why your brain built those protective walls and what you can actually do about it. Moving beyond su...

14 Nov 202516min

CPTSD: Support Groups Transform Healing

CPTSD: Support Groups Transform Healing

In this episode, Gregory explores the transformative power of support groups for CPTSD recovery, breaking down the neuroscience behind why community healing works when isolation fails. Discover how pe...

10 Nov 202551min

CPTSD: Rewire Your Nervous System Through Yoga

CPTSD: Rewire Your Nervous System Through Yoga

In this episode, we explore healing through movement and how yoga can rewire your nervous system when stuck in survival mode from CPTSD. Discover the science behind why intentional movement matters fo...

7 Nov 202516min

Populært innen Fakta

fastlegen
dine-penger-pengeradet
mikkels-paskenotter
relasjonspodden-med-dora-thorhallsdottir-kjersti-idem
foreldreradet
rss-strid-de-norske-borgerkrigene
treningspodden
jakt-og-fiskepodden
rss-bisarr-historie
rss-kull
takk-og-lov-med-anine-kierulf
rss-sunn-okonomi
fryktlos
sinnsyn
hagespiren-podcast
rss-kunsten-a-leve
level-up-med-anniken-binz
gravid-uke-for-uke
hverdagspsyken
rss-var-forste-kaffe