Why Survivors of Narcissistic Abuse Sleep in Dinosaur Pose
Episode Overview
Sleeping in the 'dinosaur pose' is a self-soothing mechanism for survivors of narcissistic abuse. This pose can indicate that your nervous system is overwhelmed and stuck in a trauma response. Similar behaviours are observed in individuals with ADHD and autism. Progressive muscle relaxation can help regulate the nervous system. Re-training your body to adopt healthier sleeping positions can alleviate chronic pain.
Your body has a procedural memory in action, which is backed up by your neural pathways in the brain.
Ever wondered why you find yourself sleeping in strange poses after enduring narcissistic abuse? In this eye-opening episode, Danish Bashir, a certified clinical trauma specialist, sheds light on why survivors often sleep in the 'dinosaur pose' or 'T-Rex pose'. Danish explains that this peculiar sleeping position, where hands are twisted and placed around the chest and abdomen, is a self-soothing mechanism.
It’s your body’s way of creating a sense of safety after experiencing severe psychological and physical stress in a narcissistic relationship. This episode dives into how these defence positions signal that your nervous system is overwhelmed and stuck in a trauma response. Danish also explores the connection between these poses and neurodivergent conditions like ADHD and autism, where similar self-soothing behaviours are common. You’ll learn why it's crucial to recognise these signs and address them properly.
Ignoring them can lead to issues like carpal tunnel syndrome or chronic pain due to muscle strain. To help manage these symptoms, Danish introduces progressive muscle relaxation techniques. This involves tightening and relaxing different muscle groups to help regulate your nervous system. He even shares tips on how to re-train your body to adopt healthier sleeping positions.
By the end of this episode, you'll have a deeper understanding of how trauma manifests physically and what you can do to alleviate these symptoms. Whether you’re a survivor of narcissistic abuse or someone supporting a loved one, this episode offers valuable insights into the healing process. Don't miss out on these practical tips that could make a significant difference in your recovery journey. Ready to learn more about how to heal from within?
Tune in and let Danish guide you through the intricacies of trauma and recovery.