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

Avsnitt(141)

CPTSD: Reclaim Sleep - Trauma-Informed Night Routines

CPTSD: Reclaim Sleep - Trauma-Informed Night Routines

In this episode, Gregory dives deep into sleep disruption with CPTSD, exploring why your trauma-informed nervous system sabotages rest and what actually works. Discover how hypervigilance, threat dete...

5 Nov 202548min

CPTSD: Finding Purpose After Trauma - From Survival to Meaning

CPTSD: Finding Purpose After Trauma - From Survival to Meaning

In this episode, Gregory explores the transformative journey of finding purpose after trauma. He discusses how Complex PTSD can disconnect us from meaning, leaving survivors in survival mode where pur...

2 Nov 202553min

CPTSD: Breaking the Inner Critic Cycle - Self-Compassion That Heals

CPTSD: Breaking the Inner Critic Cycle - Self-Compassion That Heals

In this episode, Gregory explores the transformative power of SELF-COMPASSION for trauma survivors. He breaks down why those with C-PTSD often struggle with harsh INNER CRITICS and explains the scient...

1 Nov 202519min

Unlocking Healing Through Self-Reflection| Trauma Recovery

Unlocking Healing Through Self-Reflection| Trauma Recovery

In this episode, Gregory explores how Nature Therapy can support Trauma Healing for those with CPTSD.Drawing from both scientific research and personal experience, he explains how even brief natural e...

31 Okt 202553min

CPTSD: Nature Therapy's Healing Power for Trauma Survivors

CPTSD: Nature Therapy's Healing Power for Trauma Survivors

In this episode, Gregory explores how NATURE THERAPY can support TRAUMA HEALING for those with CPTSD. Drawing from both scientific research and personal experience, he explains how even brief natural ...

30 Okt 202519min

Breaking the Social Anxiety Cycle | Trauma Healing Podcast

Breaking the Social Anxiety Cycle | Trauma Healing Podcast

In this episode, Gregory tackles the challenging intersection of SOCIAL ANXIETY and CPTSD, exploring why trauma survivors often experience heightened fear in social situations. He explains how our NER...

29 Okt 202519min

Taming Emotional Flashbacks - From Hijacked to Healing | CPTSD Podcast

Taming Emotional Flashbacks - From Hijacked to Healing | CPTSD Podcast

In this episode, we explore the challenging world of EMOTIONAL FLASHBACKS - those moments when you suddenly feel like a terrified child rather than a functional adult, overwhelmed by feelings disconne...

29 Okt 202519min

Populärt inom Utbildning

historiepodden-se
rss-bara-en-till-om-missbruk-medberoende-2
alska-oss
det-skaver
harrisons-dramatiska-historia
nu-blir-det-historia
roda-vita-rosen
johannes-hansen-podcast
not-fanny-anymore
rss-foraldramotet-bring-lagercrantz
sektledare
rss-viktmedicinpodden
i-vantan-pa-katastrofen
allt-du-velat-veta
sa-in-i-sjalen
rss-om-vi-ska-vara-arliga
rss-sjalsligt-avkladd
rss-basta-livet
rss-npf-podden
rikatillsammans-om-privatekonomi-rikedom-i-livet