Episode 205

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

Published on: 27th June, 2025

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

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About the Podcast

Deep into Sleep
Are you worried about your sleep and health? Are you bothered by lack of sleep or fatigue? Are you suffering from insomnia, sleep apnea, or other sleep disorders? Do you feel your sleep difficulties are getting in the way of being successful, happy, and motivated? Deep into Sleep podcast is here to assist you find the answers.

Dr. Yishan Xu is a licensed clinical psychologist, board-certified behavioral sleep medicine sleep specialist, and adjunct clinical faculty at Stanford School of Medicine, Sleep Division. Dr. Xu explores inspiring conversations with guests from various fields, small business owners, students, parents, entrepreneurs, doctors, mental health workers, and more. With knowledge and tips around sleep, health, business, lifestyle, and relationship, you will discover more about yourself, which leads to a healthier mindset and the life you desire.

©DeepintoSleepPodcast 2019. These materials may be downloaded for personal use only. They may not be shared, distributed, or reproduced in any form or for any reason without express permission

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yishan xu

Hello, I am Dr. Yishan Xu, a licensed clinical psychologist and Board-Certified sleep psychologist in California. I want to use my knowledge to deliver evidence-based information about sleep health, sexual health, and mental health. I hosted multiple podcasts, and co-host a new sleep podcast in Chinese with our therapist Jing. You can read more about our clinic “Mind & Body Garden Psychology Inc.” here: https://www.mindbodygarden.com/.