Relationship Any Suggestions Would Be Helpful.

[Chelsea Leigh]

I would just like to start off by saying hello and or good morning everyone.

My boyfriend has PTSD, December will be a year since he has been active in the Marines.

Recently, when I am not there to fall asleep with him (we don't live together) he has been sleep walking, this hasn't happened since January. Typically when I am there he is sound asleep. Occasionally he will have night terrors, but this past month he gets them almost every night. I do what I know works for him, I hold him, let him know he is okay and safe with me, and just talk to him while rubbing his back until he falls back asleep. He doesn't remember in the morning, so I don't bring it up. He apologizes when he wakes in the night, I let him know that there is no need to. I just want to help and do anything I can for him.

His work schedule has been a little hectic this past month, I have read that this could be a reasoning as to why he has been having more night terrors and started sleep walking.

I am basically looking for any advice, suggestions. Anything I can do or try to help with his sleeping patterns.

Thank you for your time.

 

[WillyKat]

I think what you're doing is awesome!

Is he getting treatment for PTSD in any way? That's probably the most important thing. Living with PTSD is enough of a struggle as it is w/o trying to do it w/o some treatment. Even though he has a great supporter in you, there's more that needs to be done.

You can also search the internet and this forum for "sleep hygiene". There are some do's and don'ts about getting ready for sleep. For example, no violent movies before bed time, etc, plenty of exercise.

 

[Seymour]

Hi Chelsea, It sounds like you're new to this and already looking for insight. This is a really good thing. If you're gonna be supportive, a grasp of what you're encountering can be a significant help. Sudden changes and new stresses can cause flair ups. Being in your position could be quite challenging. I hope you find what you need.

 

[bakergirl]

Please remember to take care of yourself too, you're probably not getting very good sleep when you are startled awake and then take those loving steps to comfort him. And you are probably worried and not sleeping well when you're in your own bed? I understand this too, my bf who doesn't live with me either, has those same terrors and tremors at night sometimes, usually when his stress is higher than normal. when he's with me, I hold on to him, it feels like he's falling or jumping, so I just hold on to his arm which is usually wrapped tightly around my body, and pat him gently like a baby having a bad dream, he doesn't know I do that either. So I do understand, and I do understand the bags under my own eyes. Good luck and take care.