Ptsd And Insomnia

[Casey_03]

I know there is a link between PTSD and insomnia but I am trying to determine how much of my 7-day insomnia streak is PTSD and how much is me just being a light sleeper. Basically, the person I am currently sharing a room with makes noise all throughout the night -- first by using a hair dryer while I'm trying to sleep, then by snoring or just playing with her phone. It usually starts out where I feel like I'm about to fall asleep but am then disturbed by some sound she is making, so I end up starting the process all over again, with no luck. This happens repeatedly, and then I just lie there for the entire night, unable to shut down. I have tried sleeping pills and even those do not help. I have gotten about one hour of sleep each night for the past week. I don't know how I am still functioning, but I barely am. i end up shaking and feeling sick all throughout the day. Even when I've found myself stuck sleeping near snorers before, I've generally been able to eventually block it out and get at least 4 hours. But now it just seems hopeless. If I go another day with no sleep, I fear I will have a breakdown. At the very least, I will have to abruptly quit this job just to be able to go home and sleep, and then I won't have money to survive on. Has anybody else ever had a similar sleep situation?

 

[VioletButterfly]

Uh, yes - 16 years with a freight train snorer. I went to another bedroom, endured many arguments and had many slurs lauded at me. I tried ear plugs, pillows, noise cancelling, etc... In the end, whether or not I was a light sleeper didn't matter, it was just unhealthy and he didn't give a rip so I had to take care of myself.

Is it possible to speak with your roommate about the noise she is making and work out a "quiet time" schedule where you can get some sleep? For me, lack of sleep severely affects my functioning. I am on hyper-alert, anxiety through the roof, panicky, nauseated, you name it.... I can't function. It sounds like you're at this point. If you can't talk with her about her noise and rude behavior, is it possible to find lodging elsewhere? Hoping you can find a solution other than leaving your job! Take care. VB

 

[shimmerz]

first by using a hair dryer while I'm trying to sleep

Really???? This says a lot! You are in a dangerous position and need sleep. This attitude can be dangerous to you given what is happening with you right now.

 

[jaccat]

Just a thought- is it possible that your not being comfortable with her is adding to your insomnia. I mean if you are feeling extra vigilant around her that's going to make sleeping near impossible, before you even add in the noise.

I've had insomnia all my life, as a part of my ptsd. I am severely strict about my sleep behaviours. They include total silence and a pitch black room. I know I couldn't sleep in a room with someone I barely knew.

 

[scout86]

I am trying to determine how much of my 7-day insomnia streak is PTSD and how much is me just being a light sleeper.

How do you sleep when you aren't sharing a room with someone who is terminally rude?

You might try ear plugs. Or a pillow held firmly over your roommate's nose and mouth....:cautious: (I didn't say that!)

My ex-husband snored. It never bothered me. I always told people it was fine because then I didn't have to wake up and wonder if he was alive or not. :confused: And, from what I heard, sleep apnea may have contributed to his death......

 

[falling_wave]

Yes I have this problem. It gets worse with stress and can be incredibly bad for a few days to a few months. Then it gets better for a bit and I remember that I can feel sain on a good night's sleep and something triggers me and it comes right back. Sleeping pills don't help. If it's only occasional a full bottle of neuro sleep water or xanax or ativan at high doses help. Mostly though it's just riding it out and talk though your stress with other people so it's not just building. A brisk walk in the day and lots of water wakes me up enough to work. I've been to the doctor and there is not much they can do but tell you how important sleep is. Good luck to you.

 

[Casey_03]

Thanks for your feedback guys. It looks like I will have to endure two more days and then will be setting off on my own. @jaccat I think part of it is definitely me feeling uncomfortable about this person to begin with. She doesn't respect personal space and is very pushy and controlling, so I think that adds to me always having my guard up around her, even when I'm supposed to be sleeping. I considered calling my boss and telling him I can't work with her but didn't want to create drama. @scout86 I did try ear plugs -- even those didn't block out the insane snoring and incessant noise. I am sorry to hear about your husband : ( I really should've just travelled alone to begin with. It's very dangerous for me to not get enough sleep out here; I am working 13 hour days, 7 days a week, often in very dangerous areas/situations. Sleep and rest are crucial for me right now. Ugh. What a mess this whole trip has been.

 

[riverbrook]

Uh, yes - 16 years with a freight train snorer. I went to another bedroom, endured many argumen...

I have bad bouts of insomnia too from PTSD. I can tell you that Melotonin is very helpful. You can find it at most grocery stores.

Further Melotonin is natural. It's allready in your body.

Drinking can cause rebound insomnia. Caffene should be avoided.

But it sounds like you might need to start CBT-Talk Therapy. That helps improve sleep. Telling a good trusted thearpist about the trauma is best.