Sleep is supposed to be restorative.
For many people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), it’s anything but.

Research consistently shows that struggling with sleep is one of the most common and persistent symptoms of PTSD, with estimates suggesting that 60–90% of people with PTSD experience significant sleep disturbance. In many cases, insomnia becomes a condition of its own — one that both worsens and maintains trauma symptoms.

If you’re wondering why PTSD and insomnia so often go hand-in-hand, the answer lies in how trauma reshapes the nervous system.

This article explores the science behind the PTSD–insomnia connection, the consequences of untreated sleep problems, and how therapy can help

Why can’t I just relax?

Why do I shut down when things get tough?

Why do I push people away - or cling to them too tightly?

Why do I feel on edge all the time, even when nothing is wrong?

Underneath those questions, there’s often shame and a lot of pain.

But here’s a really important question: What if the very behaviors you’re frustrated with once helped you survive?

When you experience a trauma, your nervous system can adapt (and adapt well) to overwhelming circumstances. The strategies you’ve developed - isolating, staying on-edge, codependence, anxiety, defensiveness - helped you to survive at one time.

Many people find themselves asking this question after going through something difficult or overwhelming. Afterwards, you may notice changes in your mood, sleep, relationships, or sense of safety and wonder whether what you’re experiencing is “normal,” or whether it could be post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

PTSD is often misunderstood, and it may be hard to recognize what is happening in the moment. This article will explain what PTSD is, common symptoms, how to consider whether it applies to you, and why support can be helpful for those who have experienced something traumatic.

Finding a therapist can feel overwhelming. You might be asking yourself: Where do I even start? How do I know who’s “right”? What if I choose the wrong therapist?

If you’re feeling unsure, you’re not alone. Many people want support but feel stuck at the very first step. The good news is this: finding a therapist who’s a good fit for you is possible, and you don’t have to get it “perfect” on the first try.

This brief overview will walk you through things to consider when trying to find a therapist who fits your needs, personality, and goals — so therapy can feel supportive, safe, and helpful.

If you’re struggling with insomnia—whether that means difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early with a racing mind—improving your sleep may be the most important New Year’s resolution you make this year. Not because sleep fixes everything overnight, but because it lays the foundation for emotional stability, mental clarity, and long-term well-being.

As an insomnia therapist, here are three reasons sleep deserves to be at the very top of your list.

For many people, the holiday season brings feelings of joy, celebration, warmth, and connection. But for many others, this time of year brings something very different: increased stress, emotional heaviness, or a sense of loneliness. It can feel impossible to talk about these feelings when those around you seem joyful. If this is you this holiday season, you are not alone.