Hi romeo88_88.
I hope I am not repeating information that has already been posted. As anni says sleep is a problem that is often discussed here. I agree that you might want to talk with your doctor to at least rule out any other medical issue that might be contributing to disturbed sleep (in addition to nightmares). I am thinking of things like sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, reflux, seizures, arthritis, etc.
Sleep like other aspects of PTSD is so individual. There is an area on this site regards sleep/nightmares, etc., and I have noticed an abundance of additional information related to this issue. There might be a thread there to assist you with this.
The following is what I have discovered about sleep for myself.
My search regarding a solution to my disturbed sleep, which was eventually diagnosed as insomnia, began on the Internet. I followed up every lead, study, researcher, etc., until I was linked with three people (in North America) who seemed to be the "go to" folk regards PTSD/sleep. Their research is available on line if you Google same. They are as follows:
Dr. Claudia Zayfert. My understanding from her is that recommended treatment for the PTSD population is CBT or a combination of CBT and medication. Her research did indicate that if the trauma stemmed from issues in the bedroom, then night time disturbance is best dealt with through day time therapy.
I had no contact with Dr. Fraser direct. He is a psychiatrist whose work is with the Canadian Military. His research involves a drug called Cesamet / Naboline which was studied with a very small sampling of the Military population. It was seen to improve the quality of sleep and decrease nightmares. This drug significantly aided my sleep and eliminated my nightmares but unfortunately impacted me with a daytime stupor and I had to stop taking the medication. I believe a larger Military study to build on Dr. Fraser's work is being discussed.
Dr. Anne Germaine is the individual who interests me most. If you Google her, there is a video link from a 2008 Summer Institute where she provides an over view of her research. She talks about the differences in the mechanisms of sleep when someone has PTSD insomnia vs. someone just having insomnia. Her research has shown that some of the techniques regards relaxation/sleep are not suitable for individuals with PTSD as they promote hypervigilance, keeping the individual in the thinking brain. Again I had a sense that CBT or a combination of CBT and medication were the recommended treatments. I emailed my questions to Anne direct and she was prompt in responding.
I attended a two day PTSD conference a few weeks ago organized by the Canadian Military/East Coast. Their Psychiatrists presented regarding sleep. Propranolol is a blood pressue medication recommended for sleep. Prazosin is not used anymore as it is too sedating. Amitrypline, trazadone, etc., recommended. They stay away from Valium and such because of their addictive qualities. Benzoids if used should be in small doses. Some anticonvulsants are used like Gabapentin (this has not improved my sleep dramatically and I generally don't remember what I dream / if I do remember it seems vague.
My understanding is that PTSD symptoms cannot be treated with just medicine. One needs to get at those intense unresolved emotions. This involves an enlightened combination of psychotherapy and psycho-medication. Cheers.
CM
