If there’s one thing I didn’t expect after my accident, it was how deeply sleep and stress would affect my recovery.
I expected pain, rehab, and the mental struggle.
But I didn’t expect to feel utterly exhausted, even when I rested all day.
1.Difficulty Sleeping After Trauma?
After an RTA, your body stays in survival mode. Your nervous system is on high alert; pain disrupts comfort; Anxiety spikes at bedtime, I spent nights tossing, turning, and blaming myself. Sound familiar?
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2.What Actually Helped Me Sleep
1. A Simple Night Routine; Warm shower before bed; no screens 30 minutes before sleep; gentle music or calming sounds.
2. Finding Comfort: Extra pillows; Heat pads or ice before bed; Light stretching to release tension; I didn’t get it perfect, I just made one change at a time.
1.Stress: The Silent Recovery Killer
I didn’t realize how much stress was holding me back until I actually addressed it. When stress runs high: Cortisol floods the system → Slower healing; Muscles stay tight → More pain; Heart rate stays up → Poor sleep
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2.What Helped Lower My Stress
Deep breathing throughout the day; Journaling before bed (just a brain dump); Gentle movement – even 5 minutes of walking; You don’t need a perfect routine. Just one habit that helps your body feel safe again.
Final Thoughts: Give Yourself Grace
Struggling with sleep and stress after an RTA is completely normal. Your body is healing. Your mind is processing. It takes time, and kindness. Start small; Listen to your; body; Be patient; Keep going. You’re not alone, and your new normal doesn’t have to mean constant exhaustion. It can mean learning what helps, one step at a time.
Have you struggled with sleep and stress after an accident? What helped you the most?
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