With PTSD I was told to stay away from certain triggers.

I try to avoid bleach or bleach smells because it triggers me getting drowned by my mom. I avoid things being tight around my wrists (I dont wear bracelets or watches) because it triggers memories of me being tied to stairs.

However, when I sleep, all these things come out as nightmares. These dreams (or lack there of) can keep me waking up all night. For them, I have certain riturals like making sure my feet are covered at night (I believe that by covering my feet, I can lessen the dreams) and trying to sleep during the day. It works for the most part.

Nevertheless, I can't be like the kids on Elm street (the movie). I cannot go around with lack of sleep. I have to sleep. So every night I open myself to these reoccurring dreams and cannot stop them. I am just happy to have someone sleeping next to me. My spouse keeps me from running out the door from my imagination. But it does put a strain on our relationship.

What can I do to avoid these nightmares. I tend to avoid all my triggers except for the trigger of sleeping at night.

Please reply if you have sound advice.