For most trafficking survivors, sleep is not an easy or pleasant occurrence. Especially upon first escaping their captors. Nightmares will plague their restless nights for some time. Unfortunately that is the PTSD that comes from that experience.

But there are treatments and medications that may help with this issue. Because if you’re like me, sleeping is something you want to avoid, but there are things that make it better!

Therapy – EMDR

Therapy can help to process the dreams and the trauma. While this can seem to aggregate the issue initially, dreams are also the brain’s way of processing. Most people can sleep through their dreams. However, for those who are lighter sleepers or more hyper vigilant, the dreams can often disrupt the sleep.

As therapy progresses, and the brain continues to process through the trauma, nightmares should begin to subside. Additionally dreams can become the focus of the therapy.

Medications

For me, I have found help sleeping with an anti-depressant that has also been used as a sleep aid called Trazodone. You can ask your psychiatrist about this medication and if it is right for you. Another I have tried unsuccessfully was Prazosin, but have met other that do have success with that drug.

Essential Oils

I have personally found lavender to be extremely soothing and beneficial to me in helping fall asleep and stay asleep.

You can try getting an oil diffuser and setting it up on your nightstand. I love it.

Prayers and Psalms

One thing that ALWAYS helps me get my mind off the intrusive negative thoughts is prayer. Speaking to God like He is my friend, my Good Father, and my Protector.

I like to say the Lord’s Prayer from the Bible.

“Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6:9-13‬ ‭ESV‬‬

My other favorite mantra is Psalm 23

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭23:1-6‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Our bodies need rest to heal. Find something that works for you! Feel free to share your personal favorites or results in the comments.