Ptsd Nightmares

[Kathy79]

My boyfriend and I both suffer from PTSD. His is military related, and mine is domestic violence related. He has nightmares almost every night, all night long. He almost always talks in his sleep, but sometimes I've been hit, kicked, or grabbed by him. Or awoke by him striking out. Well with my own triggers this results in very little sleep for me. Because every movement wakes me. He wakes exhausted too, because he hasn't gotten decent sleep. Should I wake him from his nightmares? Any suggestions to make our bed a little more peaceful would be great

 

[Lionheart]

Has he seen a doctor? One is not supposed to be able to physically "act out" in their sleep and so there is a sleep med they can give him. I used to do the same thing.

I would not recommend waking him as he may mistake you for a perpetrator, but I am not a doctor and I highly recommend talking to a good sleep doc.

I wish you both healing and health,
Peace,
Lion

 

[Jen93]

Maybe it'd be best if you slept in different beds for now, and then brought it up with your psychiatrists later? Is he on medication? That might help.

 

[Sweetpea76]

I usually just clear my throat or cough when my vet starts moving around or making noise in his sleep. He is so hyper vigilant that is enough to wake him up, and "normal sleep noises" enough that it doesn't seem as if I am purposely waking him. I'm sure he knows what I'm doing, but I think he appreciates the fact he doesn't have to explain anything or talk about it.

 

[WhisperingUnicorn]

My Mr. has been really struggling with sleep and nightmares, especially lately. It seems to be medication related in our case, but I sure feel for him and wish I could help him find relief. :) :( :inlove:

~S2B

 

[Ocean5]

My mom use to wake-up being attacked and on time almost strangled (no offense to vets - from what I know he had issues before joining military. But in war he saw lots of death, and near death.)

If you can't do separate beds...maybe a larger bed with pillows between you?

My old doctor had contacted a VA colleague about ptsd nightmares. They suggested Prazosin (minipress). Apparently works very well for some people.

Is he willing to see a doctor or try herbs?