Trauma and Sleep: How Nightmares Affect Your Rest

If you’ve ever dreaded going to sleep because of nightmares, you’re not alone. When you’ve been through trauma, rest doesn’t always feel safe. The quiet of the night can bring up memories you’d rather forget, turning sleep into something that feels more like a fight than a break.

It’s exhausting physically, emotionally, and mentally. And waking up tired, anxious, or even in tears can make the days feel even heavier. But here’s the truth: it doesn’t have to stay this way.

Healing is possible. It may take time, patience, and support, but your peace is not out of reach. You deserve nights filled with calm, not chaos. You deserve to close your eyes without fear. So be gentle with yourself. Take it one night at a time. And know that every step you take toward healing no matter how small is powerful.

You’re not weak for struggling. You’re strong for surviving. And you’re worthy of rest.