[James Matthew Najera]

General Discussion Thread 01.26.2025​

Hey everyone!

So, I’ve been thinking… sleep is one of those things we all need but can’t seem to get just right sometimes. Personally, I’ve tried everything from chamomile tea to blackout curtains, and let me tell you—when it works, it’s magical. But on those restless nights? Oh boy, it’s like my brain decides it’s prime time to replay every awkward moment from the past decade.

What about you? Got any tips, tricks, or rituals that help you catch those ZZZs? Maybe it’s a bedtime playlist, some aromatherapy, or even a quirky routine like reading a boring book (no judgment here!). Let’s swap ideas and help each other out!

Drop your tried-and-true methods below—I’m all ears. Can’t wait to see what works for you!

Cheers!
Blue

 

[Tonie girl]

I find if I go for a few short walks every day. I have no problem sleeping at night.

 

[Judith951]

I thrive on Vena "Lights Out" gummies. Until I found them, my brain used to chat to me most of the night!

 

[Gayle B.]

Since sleeping at night is a mere luxury I was hoping that I would see a slew of helpful tips. My husband and I have different PTSD problems. We wake each other up with nightmares about twice every night. I am prescribed medication and it helps. Not enough in my not so humble opinion. Melatonin helps my husband but not working for me. It’s gotten to where I fear falling asleep, knowing what’s going to happen. I have tried to imagine a better way to end the nightmares. I’m doing it well enough. This sleep stuff is a battle that I could do without! but no

 

[Sandy77]

Since sleeping at night is a mere luxury I was hoping that I would see a slew of helpful tips. My husband and I have different PTSD problems. We wake each other up with nightmares about twice every night. I am prescribed medication and it helps. Not enough in my not so humble opinion. Melatonin helps my husband but not working for me. It’s gotten to where I fear falling asleep, knowing what’s going to happen. I have tried to imagine a better way to end the nightmares. I’m doing it well enough. This sleep stuff is a battle that I could do without! but no

Do you belong to a related therapy group. Discussing shared experience and methods of response may help. Has your mental health provider prescribed/recommended medication? There are ways to overcome the problem. Good luck.

 

[Gayle B.]

Do you belong to a related therapy group. Discussing shared experience and methods of response may help. Has your mental health provider prescribed/recommended medication? There are ways to overcome the problem. Good luck.

I am seen by video with my therapist through the Veterans Administration. I try to hang in there but I have my doubts about success.

 

[Sandy77]

I am seen by video with my therapist through the Veterans Administration. I try to hang in there but I have my doubts about success.

Look for a group. Are there any Veterans organizations near you? If so, join one,

 

[James Matthew Najera]

I find if I go for a few short walks every day. I have no problem sleeping at night.

That's such a great suggestion! I've heard that regular movement throughout the day can do wonders for sleep, and it sounds like it works well for you. I imagine those walks help with both physical tiredness and clearing the mind, too. I’m definitely going to try incorporating that into my routine.

Thanks for sharing your tip—it’s always nice to find simple solutions that actually make a difference!

 

[James Matthew Najera]

I thrive on Vena "Lights Out" gummies. Until I found them, my brain used to chat to me most of the night!

Vena "Lights Out" gummies, huh? That sounds like a game-changer! I totally relate to the brain having a mind of its own at night, and it’s so frustrating when it just won’t quiet down. I’ve never tried those gummies, but now I’m curious! Do they help you fall asleep faster, or do they just keep you asleep once you're out? I’ve heard a lot of good things about supplements like that—maybe it’s time I give them a shot.

Thanks for sharing your tip, Judith! Always great to find something new that works.

 

[James Matthew Najera]

Since sleeping at night is a mere luxury I was hoping that I would see a slew of helpful tips. My husband and I have different PTSD problems. We wake each other up with nightmares about twice every night. I am prescribed medication and it helps. Not enough in my not so humble opinion. Melatonin helps my husband but not working for me. It’s gotten to where I fear falling asleep, knowing what’s going to happen. I have tried to imagine a better way to end the nightmares. I’m doing it well enough. This sleep stuff is a battle that I could do without! but no

Hey Gayle,

I’m really sorry to hear about the struggles you and your husband are facing with sleep—especially with nightmares. It sounds incredibly tough. I completely understand how it can be a battle, especially when the methods you’ve tried aren’t offering enough relief. You’re not alone in feeling frustrated. I’ve read that some people find comfort in grounding techniques—like focusing on deep breathing or holding a comforting object before sleep—though I know it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Maybe a change in bedtime environment could help, like introducing a sound machine with calming noises to mask any triggers. Or, if you haven’t already, some folks find that speaking with a therapist who specializes in trauma and sleep can provide new tools for managing nightmares.

I hope you find something that brings you more peace at night, and I really admire your resilience. Keep hanging in there—you're doing your best, and that's all anyone can ask for.