CPTSD: Breaking the Social Anxiety Cycle

In this episode, Gregory tackles the complex relationship between trauma and insomnia, exploring why traditional sleep advice often fails trauma survivors. Through personal experiences, listener stories, and research-backed insights, he explains how trauma rewires the brain's sleep mechanisms and creates a "paradoxical vigilance" where the body is exhausted but the nervous system remains on high alert. Most importantly, Gregory offers practical, trauma-informed strategies that work with—rather than against—your hypervigilant nervous system. Key Takeaways70-90% of people with PTSD report sleep disturbances—it's a core symptom, not a side effectTrauma creates "paradoxical vigilance" where your body is tired but your nervous system stays alertMany trauma survivors experience worst sleep difficulties between 2-4 AM when cortisol naturally dipsAddressing sleep disturbances can significantly improve overall trauma healingInsomnia isn't a personal failure—it's your body trying to protect youWhat You'll DiscoverWhy traditional sleep hygiene advice often falls short for trauma survivorsHow neuroimaging shows trauma changes brain activity during sleep transitionsCreative adaptations other survivors have developed for better restPractical tools for grounding yourself during middle-of-the-night panicHow to create a buffer zone between daytime activation and sleepResources MentionedJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine study on paradoxical vigilance in trauma survivorsUC Berkeley Sleep and Neuroimaging Laboratory research on trauma and REM sleep2019 meta-analysis in Journal of Traumatic Stress on cognitive-behavioral approaches for trauma-related sleepUniversity of Arizona's Sleep Research Laboratory findings on targeted sleep interventionsNational Center for PTSD research on sleep disturbances following trauma exposureNext Episode Preview Next week, we'll build on this foundation with "Building a Night Routine for Better Sleep with CPTSD," where we'll explore how to create consistent, trauma-informed bedtime rituals that signal safety to your nervous system. 📩 Have questions or want to share your experience? Reach out at [email protected]. 💛 Join Our Supporters Club 💛 Go ad-free and help keep these vital conversations alive—Click Here

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