LaVonne,

Anthony used to do his own version of this, though not so much anymore. Some of it I imagine is just the simple fact that their bodies are plain worn out. It takes a lot of nervous energy to have PTSD, with your mind always going and your body at a heightened sense of arousal. Kind of like running a half marathon each morning!! Sleep is often the best thing for them, in my opinion it is right up there with exercise, eating right and taking medication if you need it. The other thing is the medication might help him sleep free of nightmares but it is still medicated sleep. I find if Anthony is having a bad day, if I can I let him sleep in or try and work it so he can have an afternoon sleep. Like I said, he doesn't do this so much anymore but used to when he first started dealing with his stuff. Sometimes, I would come home from work and he would be so physically sick and drained that I used to send him for a shower and then straight to bed. So you can see, it is not just your husband.

I agree with Anthony's thoughts on 'forcing someone up'. I have had to do this to Anthony before. I have made him get out of bed, have a shower, shave, eat and go for walk. Sounds like you are mothering them but I prefer to think of it as caring for them......as long as it is not too full on. Anthony used to let me know clearly if he just wasn't up for it and I would let it go but usually a little coaxing worked wonders. They might be grumpy but they will feel better for it and routine helps. I found with Anthony in the early stages that even a slight change to his routine would mess his day or a week up. It is not so bad now but I am careful to give him advanced warnings of events or things that he will have to do during the day. He will tell you differently but in reality he does not do surprises well!!