Want to coach with me? Book a free no pressure consultation call here: https://overcomingptsd.com/consultation

Learn the proven system that’s helped 2,000+ trauma survivors reduce symptoms by 77.9% in just 4.5 months without therapy or medication 👉 https://overcomingptsd.com 

Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching #5 — Sleep Optimization & Common PTSD Sleep Problems

Sleep isn’t just “rest”—it’s when your body repairs itself and your brain processes memories. If you’re healing from PTSD, optimizing sleep is critical. In this session, Brad and Kayleen share two sleep optimization checklists (behavior + environment) and walk through solutions to common PTSD sleep struggles, including nightmares and waking up anxious.

📑 Download the Sleep Optimization Checklist:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aj1iroflp9RJKxOk3lfT9POCRVbvzyHe/view

You’ll learn why sleep must be the foundation of your health, how consistent routines regulate brain chemistry, and why small changes (like removing screens, adjusting light, or even making your bed) have a massive impact. They also teach practical tools for when you can’t sleep, and give a step-by-step checklist for handling nightmares—so you can wake up calmer, clearer, and ready for recovery.

Key Takeaways:

• 
  

  Work your schedule around sleep, not the other way around.

  
  


• 
  

  Consistent bed/wake times train your brain chemistry.

  
  


• 
  

  Behavior + environment both matter for deep rest.

  
  


• 
  

  Tools like the butterfly hug, grounding, and progressive muscle relaxation can break nighttime anxiety loops.

  
  


• 
  

  Nightmares don’t mean you’re weak—they signal a brain skill you can redirect toward healing.

  
  

Action Step: Pick one item from the behavior checklist (e.g., set a consistent bedtime, fill out the Unbreakable Planner, or eliminate screens before bed) and implement it tonight.

00:00 Introduction to Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching

00:36 Welcome and Session Overview

01:47 Importance of Sleep for PTSD Recovery

03:36 Benefits of Optimized Sleep

07:35 Behavioral Checklist for Sleep Optimization

20:46 Environmental Checklist for Sleep Optimization

25:13 Common Sleep Problems and Solutions

26:14 Bonus Tip for Better Sleep

26:29 Processing Emotions to Fall Asleep

27:46 Handling Nightmares Effectively

28:31 Practical Tips for a Better Sleep Environment

30:03 Exercise Hacks for Better Sleep

31:35 Managing Inputs Before Bed

32:49 Q&A Session

34:10 Community Sharing and Final Thoughts

51:04 Closing Remarks and Next Steps

Next Up: Monday — Creating Your Recovery Hero & Identity (defining the version of you who fully heals).