How Trauma Affects Sleep

Hey friend,

I hope this message finds you well, wrapped in the warmth of our friendship. I wanted to chat with you about something that's been on my mind lately - the intricate dance between sleep and trauma and how we can support each other through the journey of overcoming it. Life has a funny way of throwing curveballs at us. But remember, we're in this together, and we've got each other's backs. I thought it was menopause keeping me awake, and when I read this article, I was astounded it was trauma. I have had a recent diagnosis, had to visit the ER three times in two months, and was having trouble sleeping. It wasn't so much menopause because I was finally sleeping fine as the trauma of not feeling safe in my body from the problem. Interesting indeed. 

Understanding the Connection by Archanaa Shyam – Expert, Medical Intuitive. 

Before we dive in, let's unravel the connection between sleep and trauma. Trauma can leave a lasting impact on our minds and bodies, often leading to disrupted sleep patterns. You might be tossing and turning, haunted by nightmares, or experiencing restless nights. It's like our brains are trying to process and make sense of the distressing experiences we've been through. When we don't feel safe in our bodies, we can't sleep. 

What causes the body to feel unsafe?

Here are a few examples of things you may not immediately connect with safety but that may register with your body and mind as such: 

• If you've had health challenges in your life
• If you've been in and out of ER
• If you've lived in an unsafe area
• If any of your loved ones have experienced unsafe situations
• If you've been in an accident that caused an injury
• If you've gone through any kind of abuse or trauma — physical, emotional, or energetic

All of these trigger a flight or fight response in the body. That simply means the body is afraid just to relax or let go. So, when the body is unable to wind down, you cannot have deep healthy sleep, no matter what you do. 

Empowering Ourselves with Knowledge 

Knowledge truly is power, my friend. The first step towards conquering this challenge is to educate ourselves. Let's dive into some research together and learn about the science behind sleep and how trauma can affect it. Understanding that we're not alone in this struggle can provide comfort, knowing that countless others have faced similar hurdles. 

Here are a few signs you're sleep-deprived, even if you believe you're getting enough sleep:

• Our energy is up and down.
• Our moods are unpredictable.
• It constantly feels like it's one thing after the other.
• It's difficult to plan the day and stick to it.
• Fatigue hits at odd times.
• Health issues feel more difficult to manage.
• Pain gets worse every day.
• Work feels more stressful.
• Everything else seems to be controlling us.
• It feels like an emotional roller coaster, and we feel like we're being tossed around. 

"What can I do to start feeling safer?" That may be your next question.

One of the easiest things you can do right now is grounding. Grounding helps us connect with the earth and bring in its healing frequencies into our bodies.

Here are a few simple steps to help you feel safer:

• Take a nice deep breath and place your hands on your heart.
• Imagine a line going down through your body, through your feet, and all the way deep into the heart of the earth (this connects your heart to the heart of the earth).
• You may feel the energies or not— there is no right or wrong way.
• Trust that you are connected with the earth.
• Gently bring back those energies from the earth into your body.
• Accept the energy and let it flow.
• You will become more aware of these energies as you keep doing it.

You can do it as many times as possible during the day.

It will take you less than 5 minutes, and the results will amaze you.

Embracing Progress, Not Perfection

Remember, dear friend, healing is a journey, not a destination. Some nights will be easier than others, and that's perfectly okay. Let's celebrate every small victory, each night we manage to sleep a little more peacefully, and every step we take toward reclaiming our nights. 

So, my friend, here's to us – to the late-night talks, the shared laughter, and the unwavering support. Together, we will overcome these challenges, one peaceful night of sleep at a time. Here's to healing, growth, and the beautiful dawn that always follows the darkest of nights.

Your faithful Sexpert,

Ann