You are not alone. I talk to myself. I tell myself I am safe, nothing bad will happen. I keep repeating this to myself and I usually stay up until I am so exhausted I fall asleep on the couch. For some reason the couch is a safer place than bed. I also check all the doors and windows a number of times telling myself I am safe, see they are locked and secure. Lastly I leave the lights one. I fell better with the lights one when I am scared. I also keep my cell phone close to me so I can call for help if needed. It takes all this and hours of time to talk myself down from my anxiety.

I now have meds to help me go to sleep. Trazodone 50-100mg and Ativan as a PRN for anxiety I cannot get under control. Meds have helped, however, I keep them upstairs and tonight I just could not go up to bed, so I have not taken them yet. Not much good unless I am taking them.

Perhaps you could speak with your doctor and see if meds might be right for you? Right now you could try listening to music, watching some TV, doing some deep breathing or mediation to try and relax. Oh progressive muscle relaxation is very helpful. Lot of examples of it on You Tube.

Perhaps I should take my own suggestions and try some thing to get me to sleep. I think I will go try some progressive muscle relaxation.

(((hugs)))

(((((((((((((^^^^^^^^Tori^^^^^^^^)))))))))))))))

Those restless nights and knots in my gut are what I call Metro-Suckville. No fun on high. Let me off the roller-coaster, please.

Keep sharing, Tori. Those knots are easier to untangle on an open table.

Gentle support while you sort.

And lots of cyber-hugs.
(((((((((((((^^^^^^^^Tori^^^^^^^^)))))))))))))))(((((((((((((^^^^^^^^Tori^^^^^^^^)))))))))))))))(((((((((((((^^^^^^^^Tori^^^^^^^^)))))))))))))))(((((((((((((^^^^^^^^Tori^^^^^^^^)))))))))))))))(((((((((((((^^^^^^^^Tori^^^^^^^^)))))))))))))))(((((((((((((^^^^^^^^Tori^^^^^^^^)))))))))))))))(((((((((((((^^^^^^^^Tori^^^^^^^^)))))))))))))))

Hope healing happens here.

Insomnia's my worst PTSD symptom over the long term, Tori, since it weakens all other areas eventually. So I know why you'd be scared and tired, then scared because you're tired, and on an on.

Something people here offered me to help was over the counter Melatonin capsules. They help me sleep but are not as harsh as prescription sleeping pills like Ambien, which I can no longer take because of kidney problems I have.

Hope you did get some rest. You're not alone.

My cycle is nightmare wakes me up one night and the next night I have insomnia because I am too afraid to fall asleep. I have found that if I am feeling healthy enough that exercise in the day helps me sleep better at night. Unfortunately the years of stress and insomnia have destroyed my immune system to the point that I get sick frequently. Can I get off this ride now?

PTSD, at its core, is an anxiety disorder. Unfortunately, I think the way you're feeling is familiar to lots of us.

Along with a billion other things that can help*, you may want to Google "Trauma Releasing Exercise." Unfortunately, I've been doing a lousy job of using this exercise, myself, but when I have, it DOES help to relax me.

Wishing you peace, health, and strength.

* Some ways of reducing anxiety.....

Gardening
Reading
Meditation/prayer
Gentle exercise (eg, yoga, stretching)
Walking
Listening to soft music
Cooking
Cleaning
Progressive relaxation exercises
Guided visual imagery
Warm baths
.....

On the days I need sleep most I take Melatonin - you can buy it OTC and it's the chemical your body produces that tells you that you are tired. I am not sure what your specific trauma is but maybe you could consider mindfulness? It's a technique I use and it helps me greatly.

I am sorry you are losing sleep and do not feel safe. While I am not in your specific shoes I have lost sleep myself for similar feelings and I know how much that sucks. I'll be sending you positive thoughts and vibes as you sort through this.

i have been taking a script since living in apartments ,, i deep breathe been dong it since i was ten,,,,, takes alot of hot air to play trumpet,, and i have a meditation tape ,,,, i wish i could copy it for eveyrone it is a professional deep relaxation tape that is guaranteed to work

sorry your struggling. hugs.