Ep205 - Nightmares and PTSD – Expert Tips for Better Sleep with Dr. Courtney Worley

Do nightmares keep you awake at night? Wondering if frequent nightmares mean you have trauma—or if they can ever truly be cured? In this powerful episode, Dr. Yishan welcomes Dr. Courtney Worley, nightmare specialist, board-certified clinical psychologist, and co-author of “The Nightmare and Sleep Disorder Toolkit.” Together, they explore what nightmares really are, why they happen (even if you don’t have PTSD), and how evidence-based treatments like imagery rehearsal therapy and lucid dreaming can help you take back control of your nights.

Dr. Worley shares real-life breakthrough moments, explains the difference between nightmares and night terrors, and reveals common mistakes people make when trying to manage distressing dreams on their own. Discover actionable hope, scientific guidance, and practical resources—whether you’re struggling with trauma-related nightmares or looking for ways to simply sleep better.

If nightmares are disrupting your life, you don’t have to suffer in silence. Tune in for cutting-edge expertise, self-help strategies, and the encouragement to seek help and finally find rest.

Show Notes: deepintosleep.co/episode/nightmare

RESOURCES

Are you so sleepy that you cannot focus? Are you tired of getting through the day drinking coffee? Are you worried how your poor sleep may impact your health?

Checkout Dr. Yishan Xu’s Insomnia Treatment Course!

Connect with Dr. Yishan

• Instagram: @dr.yishan
• Twitter: @dryishan
• Facebook:@dr.yishan

Connect with Dr. Courtney Worley

• DrCourtneyWorley.com
• UpwardBehavioralHealth.com
• @DrWorleyConsult

Newsletter and Download Free Sleep Guidence E-Book:

• https://www.mindbodygarden.com/sleep

CBT-I Courses:

• English: https://www.deepintosleep.co/insomnia
• Chinese: https://www.mindbodygarden.com/shimian

Podcast Links:

• Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-into-sleep/id1475295840
• Google Podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/search/deepintosleep
• Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/deep-into-sleep
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Vxyyj9Cswuk91OYztzcMS
• iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-deep-into-sleep-47827108/
• Support our Podcast: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dryishan
• Leave us a Rating: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-into-sleep/id1475295840

If you're interested in learning more about psychological testing and the services offered at the MindBodyGarden make sure to visit their website at mindbodygarden.com/AssessmentClinic.