ANCSLEEP BLOG

Trauma is an experience that one has in their life that leaves them with negative effects to their well-being and ability to function. One traumatic event can lead to psychological trauma, and it can build up over time so it is ongoing background stress. 

Most people experience trauma, with 90% of people exposed to at least one potentially traumatic event in their lives. Experiencing trauma can lead to increased risk of mental and physical health issues, including suicide. Continue reading to learn the effect of trauma on the body and sleep.

Post traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is a psychiatric disorder that stems from a traumatic event that is not resolved. This disease is slow and insidious, so many individuals may not know they have PTSD until months after the fact. Common individuals who experience PTSD are veterans, first responders, victims from violence, abuse or major disasters. Women are more likely than men to experience PTSD and about 70% of people will experience PTSD in their lifetimes.

PTSD results when someone experiences something extremely traumatic, and their brain rewires so that a certain stimulus leads to a negative reaction. This can manifest into nightmares, insomnia, depress, anxiety, hyperarousal, and many other symptoms. Continue reading to find out the interplay between sleep and PTSD.