Trauma Fueled Nightmares and Night Terrors with PTSD

Oct 31, 2025

Explore the differences between nightmares and night terrors, and how they relate to PTSD. Discover practical treatments like Imagery Rehearsal Therapy and sleep hygiene improvements for better rest. Learn to recognize nightmare disorder and its signs, and understand the impact of trauma on sleep issues. Emma also discusses stress reduction techniques and when to seek professional help for sleep disturbances. Dive into safety strategies for managing night terrors, particularly for those with trauma backgrounds.

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ANECDOTE

Toddler's Terrifying Night Episode

Emma McAdam describes a friend waking to her toddler screaming and standing on the bed but still asleep.
The child couldn't be comforted or fully awakened, illustrating a night terror scenario.

INSIGHT

Why Nightmares Feel So Real

Nightmares occur during REM sleep and are vivid dreams you can usually remember.
They carry strong emotions and can make it hard to fall back asleep due to lingering fear.

INSIGHT

Night Terrors Happen In Deep Sleep

Night terrors arise from deep non-REM sleep and often occur early in the night.
People may scream, thrash, look awake, and usually won't remember the episode.

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Learn how to stop nightmares and night terrors in adults, understand PTSD-related sleep issues, and get practical treatment tips for better rest and recovery. Learn the skills to Regulate your Emotions, join the membership: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/membership

What’s the difference between nightmares and night terrors—and how do you stop them, especially in adults? In this video, we break down nightmares vs night terrors, including how they relate to PTSD, trauma, and stress. Learn how to recognize the signs of nightmare disorder, and what treatments like Imagery Rehearsal Therapy, trauma-focused therapy, and sleep hygiene can do to help. We also explore night terrors in adults, which are rare but sometimes linked to PTSD. Whether you're seeking effective night terrors treatment, support for trauma-related sleep issues, or just want to understand why your sleep feels so disturbing, this video offers insight and real tools. If you or a loved one suffer from intense dreams or frightening sleep episodes, you’re not alone—and healing is possible. #Nightmares #NightTerrors #NightTerrorsInAdults #HowToStopNightmaresInAdults #NightmareDisorder #PTSD #sleeptherapy

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Therapy in a Nutshell and the information provided by Emma McAdam are solely intended for informational and entertainment purposes and are not a substitute for advice, diagnosis, or treatment regarding medical or mental health conditions. Although Emma McAdam is a licensed marriage and family therapist, the views expressed on this site or any related content should not be taken for medical or psychiatric advice. Always consult your physician before making any decisions related to your physical or mental health. In therapy I use a combination of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Systems Theory, positive psychology, and a bio-psycho-social approach to treating mental illness and other challenges we all face in life. The ideas from my videos are frequently adapted from multiple sources. Many of them come from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, especially the work of Steven Hayes, Jason Luoma, and Russ Harris. The sections on stress and the mind-body connection derive from the work of Stephen Porges (the Polyvagal theory), Peter Levine (Somatic Experiencing) Francine Shapiro (EMDR), and Bessel Van Der Kolk. I also rely heavily on the work of the Arbinger Institute for my overall understanding of our ability to choose our life's direction.

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