I was reading your article Aftershocks: Childhood abuse lives on, creating sleepless nights on child abuse/sleeping disorders in my research to write a book on my life. It is very interesting and fits my life so closely that it made me feel like someone had been watching me for my entire life.
I am 53 years old and just started trying to really deal with the sexual abuse I suffered from a family member that started when I was 10 yeard old. He was an adult at that time and I was in bed with rheumatic fever. The attacks usually happened when I had fallen asleep, or early in the morning when everyone had left home for school and work.
Will this problem ever go away? Right now I am using sleeping pills prescribed by my doctor, but I still wake up a lot or have horrible nightmares. I want to get off the sleeping pills but I am a wreck when I stay awake for several nights.
I look forward to reading more articles from your site.
Thanks,
Pamela
Full Version: The link between sleeping disorders and childhood abuse
Thanks for your reply, Pamela. We're so glad that we could give you some insight into this situation. Thanks also for your honesty on a subject that can be very difficult for people to speak up about. Abuse creates a cycle of shame that separates us from others, but, when we are honest about the things that have happened, we find out that we are not alone at all. 
As far as your sleeping problems are concerned, have you tried any natural remedies for your insomnia? Melatonin and Valerian Root are well known supplements that promote sleep. You can read about more herbs and vitamins for sleep here.
There are also many habits you can adjust that have nothing to do with drugs or supplements at all. Creating a sleep schedule and a routine that promotes restful slumber are two major ways you can get more shuteye. You can read more about healthy sleep habits here.
It sounds, though, like you are in touch with the nature of your insomnia. Repeated childhood abuse that happened when you were vulnerable in bed has made that scenario unsafe and, most likely, nearly impossible to relax in. If you're not talking to a therapist about this, I would highly recommend it. My personal preference is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). We all need a good, neutral sounding board at times to talk through our fears and frustrations. I'm sure that this situation especially could benefit from such a resource.
The book sounds like a terrific idea. I wish you happiness and prosperity.
Dan Paul Roberts
123 Feel Better Wellness Advisor
As far as your sleeping problems are concerned, have you tried any natural remedies for your insomnia? Melatonin and Valerian Root are well known supplements that promote sleep. You can read about more herbs and vitamins for sleep here.
There are also many habits you can adjust that have nothing to do with drugs or supplements at all. Creating a sleep schedule and a routine that promotes restful slumber are two major ways you can get more shuteye. You can read more about healthy sleep habits here.
It sounds, though, like you are in touch with the nature of your insomnia. Repeated childhood abuse that happened when you were vulnerable in bed has made that scenario unsafe and, most likely, nearly impossible to relax in. If you're not talking to a therapist about this, I would highly recommend it. My personal preference is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). We all need a good, neutral sounding board at times to talk through our fears and frustrations. I'm sure that this situation especially could benefit from such a resource.
The book sounds like a terrific idea. I wish you happiness and prosperity.
Dan Paul Roberts
123 Feel Better Wellness Advisor
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