If I could just sleep

I feel like if I could just get some restful sleep things would be so much easier to manage. I'm so d__n tired and exhausted. Every moment of the day is a fight and I don't have the energy. I feel like if I could just get some good sleep then maybe I'd have a better chance at fighting--or at least not feel so vulnerable.

I've tried so many things to help me sleep. I've done the whole sleep hygiene thing. I haven't had caffeine in months because it makes my anxiety worse. I've tried yoga and meditation and other relaxation techniques. I've tried medications but I have paradoxical reactions which means they basically act as stimulants. My pdoc even tried putting me on anti-psychotics that have sedative aspect to them and those don't really work for me either. We even tried prazosin which is well known for helping treat PTSD by reducing nightmares and flashbacks. Nope. That both acted as a stimulant and made my flashbacks and dissociation worse. I've tried the natural, homeopathic route with teas and essential oils. I've tried supplements like melatonin and tryptophan. I journal every night to help clear my mind before sleep. I've even tried praying. But even after all that I still wake up repeatedly from nightmares and now night terrors. I'm just so g_dd__n exhausted!

Hugs. Could you try listening to music with a gentle binaural beat , like the EMDR therapy album , there's plenty on YouTube and people find some are what they like.

Are you working with a therapist?

I can relate about being tired and wanting to sleep. PTSD can be exhausting, however, make sure you have help/therapy because you can learn to manage it better and even experience some actual rest and nights where you "can" sleep.

I'm currently trying to find a trauma therapist. I spoke with a clinic this morning and I'll find out later this week if they have any opening. I also start a day program on Monday. Unfortunately the process for finding a good trauma therapist isn't easy. So many therapists will list that they deal with trauma or sexual abuse but very few in my experience are truly equipped to deal with full-fledged PTSD. I'm trying to find one that specializes in it as well as being EMDRIA certified. This clinic is the only one in my area with therapists who are. That, however, makes it difficult to get in because their case load is usually full.