How Trauma, OCD, and PTSD Impact Sleep (And What Helped Me Find Rest Again)
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Time to read 5 min
If you live with OCD , PTSD , or have experienced trauma , you know something most people don't talk about: bedtime can be terrifying .
It sounds dramatic if you haven’t lived it. But for those of us with racing thoughts, intrusive memories, or nighttime panic, the moment the lights go out can feel like you're facing something dark and heavy — not just the room, but your own mind.
In this post, I want to share how trauma affected my sleep, what eventually helped, and why I believe good sleep is about more than just the mattress — but also starts with it.
Table of Content
Why Trauma and OCD Make Sleep So Difficult
When your nervous system is constantly on alert, falling asleep isn't simple. For me, it started with hypervigilance from PTSD. As a firefighter, I spent years waking up to emergencies. That trained my body to associate sleep with being caught off guard.
Then came the Pure O OCD — obsessive thoughts that would latch onto fears of death, harm, or losing control. They’d ramp up exactly when I wanted to rest. The more I tried to sleep, the louder my brain got.
If you've ever felt that bedtime dread, you know what I mean. You're not lazy. You're not weak. You're stuck in a cycle that makes it nearly impossible to unwind.
Sleep Deprivation Makes Everything Worse
The cruel part? Lack of sleep makes OCD and PTSD symptoms worse. You lose your resilience. Your thoughts spiral faster. Your anxiety tolerance drops.
You start avoiding sleep altogether, which leads to even more fear, more exhaustion, and more emotional burnout. It becomes a loop that feels impossible to break.
🧩 3 Truths About Sleep and Mental Health Most People Don’t Talk About
Sleep isn’t a luxury — it’s survival.
When you're living with OCD, PTSD, or anxiety, good sleep is one of the few things that can truly improve how you feel, function, and cope. It's not a bonus — it's the base layer.Trauma changes how your brain reacts to bedtime.
For some of us, the moment we lie down is when the alarms go off — not physically, but mentally. Knowing this is normal for trauma survivors is the first step toward healing.The goal isn't perfect sleep — it's less resistance.
You might not fall asleep fast. You might still have rough nights. But if you can reduce pain, discomfort, or dread even a little... that's real progress.
What Helped Me Start Sleeping Again
My sleep didn’t improve overnight. It took small, steady changes. Here are a few things that actually helped:
1. A Strict Sleep Schedule
Going to bed and waking up at the same time each day changed my nervous system slowly. It gave my body something to rely on. I stopped chasing "tired" and started showing up for sleep like it was an appointment.
2. The Right Sheets & Bedding
This may sound minor, but it wasn't. Scratchy sheets, bad temperature control, or a mattress that holds heat can trigger panic for someone with sensory sensitivity. I switched to breathable, smooth bedding that made getting into bed feel safe.
3. Fewer Decisions at Night
When your brain is overloaded, even picking pajamas can feel stressful. I made my bedroom a place of predictability. One pillow. One sheet. Same lighting. Less thinking = more calming.
4. The Right Mattress
This isn’t a sales pitch. It’s a fact: A lumpy, sagging, or uncomfortable mattress made things worse. When I switched to something supportive that didn’t trigger pain or overheating, I finally stopped dreading lying down.
A good mattress won’t fix trauma — but it will remove one more barrier to rest.
Why Mr. Liquidator Cares About Sleep
My partner Erik and I own Mr. Liquidator Mattress Outlet in Chilliwack. We're both firefighters. We both have young families. And we both know what it feels like to carry heavy mental loads into the night.
That's why we care so much about helping people get better sleep. We're not trying to sell luxury. We're trying to sell relief.
When someone comes into our store and says, "I just need something that doesn't make my pain worse," we get it. We've lived it. And we built this business to offer a better way to shop for a bed — with real honesty, clear pricing, and compassion.
If you’re struggling right now, we see you. We may not have all the answers, but we care. And we’d love to help.
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“Sleep is the golden chain that ties health and our bodies together.”
FAQs for People Dealing with OCD, PTSD, or Anxiety at Night
Does sleep really help with mental health?
Yes. It’s foundational. Good sleep helps regulate emotion, calm your nervous system, and reset intrusive thought cycles. You don’t have to fix everything to feel a difference. Just getting one more hour of solid rest can help.
Should I buy a new mattress if I have anxiety or trauma?
Only if your current one is making things worse. If it causes pain, sleeps hot, or feels unstable, it could be contributing to your nighttime stress. But a mattress is just one piece of the puzzle.
What type of mattress is best for people with anxiety or PTSD?
Everyone's different, but supportive yet pressure-relieving mattresses (like hybrid or medium-firm foam models) tend to be best. Breathable materials, cooling fabric, and simplicity all help too.
Can I try mattresses in person without pressure?
Yes — at least at our store. We don't upsell, we don't use fake sales, and we genuinely want you to find something that feels right for your body and your peace of mind.
Summary: What This Post Is Really About If you live with trauma, OCD, or PTSD.
Sleep isn’t a luxury — it’s a lifeline for anyone dealing with mental health challenges.
Trauma, OCD, and PTSD often make sleep harder — but you’re not alone or broken for struggling.
A strict sleep routine, calming environment, and proper bedding can help reduce nighttime anxiety.
The right mattress won’t cure trauma, but it removes a barrier to rest and recovery.
Healing is not about overnight fixes — it’s about building safety, consistency, and compassion into your bedtime.
Every small step matters.
Ken Eyjolfson
About the Author
Ken Eyjolfson is a firefighter, father, and co-owner of Mr. Liquidator Mattress Outlet in Chilliwack, BC. After nearly two decades of frontline service and a personal journey through PTSD and OCD, Ken became passionate about helping others improve their sleep as part of healing and recovery. At Mr. Liquidator, he combines his deep empathy, real-world experience, and commitment to honesty to guide customers toward better rest — without pressure or gimmicks. When he’s not in the store, you’ll find him with his family, sharing his story, or working on his next cup of strong coffee.
More to Come
This is the first in a series of posts where I’ll share my experiences with sleep, trauma, OCD, and healing. If this post resonated with you, keep an eye out for more soon. I want to create content that helps others feel less alone, and offers hope for real, practical progress.