CPTSD: Breaking the Social Anxiety Cycle

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C-PTSD: Let's Make Sense Of This Sh*t

Let's Work This Sh*t Out

112 episodes

6 days ago

CPTSD: Let’s Make Sense of This Sh*t

Living with Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) can be overwhelming, confusing, and lonely—but you don't have to face it alone. CPTSD: Let’s Make Sense of This Sh*t is your go-to podcast for breaking down trauma recovery with honesty, compassion, and a touch of humor to keep things real.

Whether you’re just starting your healing journey or have been working on it for years, this podcast offers practical strategies, emotional support, and relatable stories from those who've walked in your shoes.

Tune in twice a week as we explore what it truly means to live with CPTSD. Our Main Podcast episodes (Tuesdays) feature in-depth discussions, expert advice, and actionable tools to help you understand and navigate CPTSD. On Fridays, our Healing Episodes deliver short, calming exercises and grounding techniques to help you find balance and relief in the moment.

Through raw conversations, expert insights, and an unshakeable sense of empathy, we’re here to help you make sense of the tough stuff and remind you that healing is within reach—even when it feels impossible. Whether you’re battling anxiety, emotional flashbacks, or the daily weight of trauma, this podcast is your companion on the path to recovery. You’re not alone, and just by showing up, you’re already doing great.

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By joining, you ensure we can keep offering insights, support, and real talk to those navigating their journey with C-PTSD. Together, we can make sure no one faces this alone.

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CPTSD: Breaking the Social Anxiety Cycle

C-PTSD: Let's Make Sense Of This Sh*t

54 minutes

2 weeks ago

CPTSD: Breaking the Social Anxiety Cycle

In this episode, Gregory tackles the complex relationship between trauma and insomnia, exploring why traditional sleep advice often fails trauma survivors. Through personal experiences, listener stories, and research-backed insights, he explains how trauma rewires the brain's sleep mechanisms and creates a "paradoxical vigilance" where the body is exhausted but the nervous system remains on high alert. Most importantly, Gregory offers practical, trauma-informed strategies that work with—rather than against—your hypervigilant nervous system.

Key Takeaways

70-90% of people with PTSD report sleep disturbances—it's a core symptom, not a side effect
Trauma creates "paradoxical vigilance" where your body is tired but your nervous system stays alert
Many trauma survivors experience worst sleep difficulties between 2-4 AM when cortisol naturally dips
Addressing sleep disturbances can significantly improve overall trauma healing
Insomnia isn't a personal failure—it's your body trying to protect you

What You'll Discover

Why traditional sleep hygiene advice often falls short for trauma survivors
How neuroimaging shows trauma changes brain activity during sleep transitions
Creative adaptations other survivors have developed for better rest
Practical tools for grounding yourself during middle-of-the-night panic
How to create a buffer zone between daytime activation and sleep

Resources Mentioned

Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine study on paradoxical vigilance in trauma survivors
UC Berkeley Sleep and Neuroimaging Laboratory research on trauma and REM sleep
2019 meta-analysis in Journal of Traumatic Stress on cognitive-behavioral approaches for trauma-related sleep
University of Arizona's Sleep Research Laboratory findings on targeted sleep interventions
National Center for PTSD research on sleep disturbances following trauma exposure

Next Episode Preview Next week, we'll build on this foundation with "Building a Night Routine for Better Sleep with CPTSD," where we'll explore how to create consistent, trauma-informed bedtime rituals that signal safety to your nervous system.

📩 Have questions or want to share your experience? Reach out at cptsd@senseofthisshit.com.
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