Imagine relaxing on a calm beach with calm waves, the sound of the waves calming your thoughts. But now, picture being caught in a storm, the waves crashing fiercely around you. Many accident survivors experience this feeling of being tossed around by their memories of the incident. Getting some peace and sleep after such a traumatic event can be especially difficult for a troubled mind.
The accident’s persistent memories cause disturbing dreams, lowering sleep quality. Forbes notes sleep deprivation can worsen trauma symptoms. It makes recovery from traumatic events like accidents more challenging.
Although it frequently seems unattainable, sleep is essential for healing. This guide to good sleep hygiene can help calm the body and mind and pave the way for peaceful sleep.
Tragedy at St. Louis and Its Traumatic Aftermath
Tragedy struck as a deadly multi-vehicle collision on W. Florissant near Thrush in north St. Louis around midnight. A gray Mercury Milan turning left collided with a westbound blue Infiniti Q50 on W. Florissant’s eastbound lanes. The Infiniti crashed into multiple parked cars as a result of the collision.
The man, whose identity is still unknown, was dead after he and a 17-year-old girl were brought to the hospital. The girl is stable and will survive. Both the Mercury’s driver and passenger were admitted to the hospital and are now in stable condition.
A St. Louis personal injury lawyer, in such a scenario, can help victims seek compensation for the incurred tragedy. Vehicle collisions and resultant injuries and fatalities have become so commonplace that we barely feel anything about news like these.
The daily struggles of accident survivors in their path to recovery never make headlines. We cannot help but ask how the teen survivor of the disaster might cope. How long would it be until she finds a sound night of sleep?
Establishing a Gentle Bedtime Routine
Consistency is critical in terms of sleep hygiene. Even on the weekends, try to sleep and wake up at the same time, per your daily schedule. According to Everyday Health, your body may receive a signal to relax from a peaceful pre-sleep routine. Try doing deep breathing exercises, listening to music, or reading a book for relaxation.
Practicing Regular Light Physical Activity
Frequent exercise has been shown to enhance sleep quality significantly, reports Johns Hopkins Medicine. Try to stick to low-impact activities like stretching, yoga, or walking. Engaging in these physical activities makes you physically tired and releases feel-good endorphins. A study published in the Journal of Applied Sciences revealed that physical activity is essential for a healthy sleep-wake cycle.
Staying In-Sync With Body’s Natural Sleep Cycle
Recent research indicates that soothing activities in front of the bed reduce anxiety and facilitate sleep, reports Healthline. The blue light that computers and phones emit can hamper your sleep-wake process. So, keep your device (screens) away for at least an hour prior to going to bed.
On the other hand, exposure to daylight during the initial hours of the day is equally needed. When exposed to natural light, your internal clock is regulated, especially in the waking hours. As reported by the Sleep Foundation, daylight facilitates falling asleep at night.
Seeking Support and Professional Help
Even with our best efforts, sleep issues can occasionally continue. It could be beneficial to speak with a professional if you frequently find it difficult to fall asleep. This might not come with a due financial burden for accident survivors. According to TorHoerman Law, compensation for personal injury from a car accident usually includes mental harm besides physical injuries.
Trauma-focused therapists can offer you strategies that are specific to your needs. The highly successful treatment for insomnia is cognitive-behavioral therapy, or CBT-I, which alters attitudes and actions related to sleep. Recent research published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine demonstrates that CBT-I can significantly enhance trauma survivors’ sleep quality.
FAQs
What is the prevalence of PTSD after a car accident?
More than 26% of survivors of auto accidents experience post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD. The risk is higher in severe accidents, especially those involving fatalities. Contributing factors include a personal history of trauma, the severity of the incident, and the individual’s emotional response during the trauma.
What are the most common symptoms of trauma following a car accident?
Common symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and heightened vigilance. Emotional distress is prevalent, manifesting as fearfulness and depression. The occurrence can lead to avoidance behaviors such as refusing to drive or ride in cars. These symptoms can also interfere with daily activities and may require professional assistance.
How does trauma from a car accident affect sleep?
Car accident trauma can result in nightmares, insomnia, and restless sleep. Commonly, individuals may experience heightened alertness or hyperarousal after a traumatic event. It makes it difficult for them to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night. If not addressed, victims can suffer from chronic sleep issues.
What is sleep hygiene?
Sleep hygiene is the routines and behaviors that support regular, undisturbed sleep. It includes following a routine to a regular sleep schedule, fixing up a sleeping area, and abstaining from stimulants right before bed. The routine also involves engaging in relaxing activities before bed, like taking a shower or reading and avoiding large meals.
It takes time to heal from an accident, and getting a good night’s sleep is essential. Remember, it’s okay to take small steps. Every night presents a fresh chance to relax and find serenity, which aids in healing your body and mind.
