Can better sleep help Veterans with PTSD? What a Dreampad case study found
Sleep disturbances are among the most common and challenging symptoms experienced by people living with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
For many veterans, difficulty falling asleep, recurring nightmares, interrupted sleep, and hypervigilance can continue long after military service ends. These sleep challenges can affect physical health, emotional wellbeing, relationships, and overall quality of life.
In 2014, HeartSprings Community Healing Center conducted a case study involving ten military veterans diagnosed with PTSD to explore whether the iLs Dreampad could help improve sleep and reduce nightmare-related symptoms.
The results provided encouraging insights into the potential role of sleep support for individuals living with trauma-related sleep difficulties.
About the study
The study included ten veterans diagnosed with PTSD by healthcare professionals within the Veterans Healthcare System or Veteran Centers. Participants represented multiple generations of military service, including veterans from:
- The Vietnam War
- The Gulf War
- Operation Enduring Freedom
- Operation Iraqi Freedom
Many participants had been struggling with sleep disorders for years or even decades. Several also experienced chronic pain alongside PTSD symptoms.
Participants tracked their sleep habits and symptoms for two weeks before using the Dreampad and for two weeks while using it. Follow-up interviews were conducted immediately after the trial and again three months later.
Every Veteran reported initial benefits
According to the study, all ten participants reported that the Dreampad helped improve their sleep during the initial evaluation period.
Three months later, eight of the ten veterans continued to report improved sleep while using the Dreampad. Many also reported experiencing fewer nightmares or a complete absence of nightmares during use.
For individuals living with PTSD, this finding is particularly meaningful because nightmares and sleep disruption are often among the most persistent symptoms of the condition.
3 ways Dreampad appeared to help
Researchers observed three common patterns among participants.
Falling asleep faster
Many veterans reported that the Dreampad helped them relax and fall asleep more quickly than before.
One participant reported falling asleep within 15 to 20 minutes while using the pillow, despite years of sleep difficulties.
Returning to sleep after nightmares
Several veterans described being able to return to sleep much faster after waking from nightmares.
One veteran shared:
It helps me get back to sleep within 10-15 minutes instead of hours lit it used to
This ability to return to sleep quickly may help reduce the overall impact of nighttime PTSD symptoms
Reducing physical symptoms of nightmares
Researchers also noted reports of reduced PTSD-related reactions associated with nightmares, including syptoms such as:
- Sweating
- Racing heartbeat
- Anxiety after waking
- Difficulty settling back to sleep
Several veterans described feeling calmer and more relaxed while using the Dreampad.
Improvements beyond sleep
While the Dreampad was not reported to directly eliminate chronic pain, some participants described positive changes in how they experienced pain and recovery.
One veteran noted:
I fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer, feeling more refreshed in the morning.
Others reported feeling:
- More rested
- Less anxious
- More relaxed
- Better able to cope with daily challenges
These experiences highlight the powerful relationship between sleep quality and overall wellbeing.
Why sleep matters for PTSD recovery
Researchers and clinicians increasingly recognize that sleep plays a critical role in mental health.
Poor sleep can worsen emotional regulation, concentration, stress tolerance, and recovery from trauma. Conversely, improving sleep quality may help support healthier nervous system functioning and better daytime resilience.
The study's authors noted that sleep disruption has been linked to broader impacts on brain health and daily functioning, making sleep an important target for supportive interventions.
What Veterans said
The personal feedback collected during follow-up interviews provides some of the strongest insights from the study.
Veterans commonly reported:
- Falling asleep faster
- Fewer nightmares
- Reduced anxiety at bedtime
- More restful slee
- Improved ability to return to sleep after waking
- Greater feelings of calm and relaxation
One participant who had struggled with severe sleep difficulties for years reported sleeping nearly six hours per night after previously sleeping less than three hours.
Another described the Dreampad as:
A useful tool to help drown out the noise and ringing in my head.
Important limitations
While these findings are encouraging, it's important to recognize that this was a small case study involving only ten participants.
The study did not include a control group, randomization, or objective sleep measurements. Results were based primarily on participant journals and interviews.
Because of these limitations, the findings should be viewed as preliminary observations rather than definitive clinical evidence.
However, the consistency of participant feedback suggests that further research may be worthwhile.
Final thoughts
Sleep difficulties and recurring nightmares can have a profound impact on the lives of veterans living with PTSD.
In this small case study, veterans reported improvements in sleep onset, sleep quality, nightmare recovery, and overall relaxation while using the Dreampad. Many continued experiencing benefits months after beginning use.
While additional controlled research is needed, these early findings suggest that non-invasive sleep support tools may play a valuable role in helping individuals manage trauma-related sleep challenges and improve overall quality of life.
References
Nelson, J.C. (2014). Measuring the Effect of the iLs Dreampad with Ten Veterans Diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). HeartSprings Community Healing Center, Fargo, ND.
Disclosure
This article summarizes findings from a small observational case study involving ten veterans diagnosed with PTSD. The study did not include a control group, and outcomes were based primarily on participant journals and interviews. Additional research is needed to confirm these findings.