Hi,

I'm a new member. I've been diagnosed with complex PTSD and today is a very difficult day for me for a variety of reasons. I have been googling my fingers off and my anxiety is off the charts. I did find this place and I hope to read, learn and get support.

There is an issue I have that I have not been able to find information on and I am wondering if anyone here has experienced it or could direct me to resources. I am avoiding sleeping. I have been doing this for some time and I am having a very difficult time managing myself around the problem. I see a T regularly and I have been given prescriptions to help me to fall asleep. BUT - the issue is that I do not want to sleep and I avoid it at all costs. So even though I have the sleep aid in my hand I do not take it.

Recently I have stopped sleeping under the covers of my bed or I fall asleep on top of the covers facing the bottom of the bed. So, what happens is that when I go to bed I turn on the TV and do not sleep until the wee hours and my exhaustion takes over. Of course this is causing problems with concentration and focus in waking hours.

Is this a part of my PTSD? Is avoiding sleep common? How have others FORCED themselves to just get beyond the resistance and use the tools given?

It is so frustrating because of course, I know what I should do. I should go to bed w/ the TV off, at a decent hour, take my sleep aid and ~ MAKE PROGRESS. But I am finding it impossible to do so.

Anyone else experienced this?

Thanks for any help you can provide.

Juli