Doctors Answers (3)
Yes, PTSD can cause or trigger sleep disorders. This can range from insomnia to "parasomnias" which refer to events while sleeping. This can range from acting out dreams to night terrors. Rather than listing all the characteristics of all the possible sleep disorders, it would be best for your son to see a board certified sleep specialist. Possibly the military can facilitate that referral. Otherwise, his primary care physician should refer him. The disorder you describe of walking and talking in his sleep can be dangerous to himself and others. Treatment is available.
YES. Our staff physician highly-recommends, you have your son see a sleep specialist with a psychosis back ground or on staff at a sleep center. We do have a specialist on staff here, if you would like to contact us.
I am sorry that your son was traumatized by his two terms. He may have a combination of sleep problems. He needs to be seen for a sleep consultation. We can evaluate his brain-wave activity and help with coming to a conclusion of what is causing him to walk in his sleep.