Insomnia Psychiatrist Serving New London, CT

Sleep doesn't always feel safe. For people who've been through trauma — whether that's a single event or something that built up over years — nighttime can become a different kind of threat. The nightmares. The hypervigilance that keeps you scanning the room at 2am. The feeling that you can't fully let your guard down, even when nothing is actually wrong. New London has a significant military and veteran community, and PTSD-related insomnia is something Sindhia Shyras, APRN sees and treats regularly. You don't have to explain yourself from scratch to someone who's never heard this before — she understands the pattern.

PTSD and Sleep — How They're Connected

PTSD-related insomnia has specific features that set it apart from other kinds of sleeplessness. The nervous system stays in threat-detection mode well past when it's needed. The brain resists deep sleep because deep sleep means vulnerability — and some part of the brain learned that vulnerability isn't safe. Nightmares replay events or trigger intense feelings that jolt you awake. And once you're awake at 3am, the hyperarousal kicks in and sleep becomes nearly impossible. Standard sleep hygiene advice doesn't reach any of this. What helps is care that addresses the trauma's effect on the nervous system — and that's where psychiatric treatment comes in.

What Treatment Can Look Like

Sindhia's evaluation is thorough and unhurried. She wants to understand your full picture — your sleep history, what your nights look like, the nature of your trauma if you're comfortable sharing it, and how your days feel. From there, she can talk through what's likely driving your insomnia and what approaches make sense. Medication is often part of the picture for PTSD-related sleep disorders — certain medications reduce the intensity of nightmares and help the nervous system stay calmer through the night. She also discusses behavioral approaches that target hyperarousal. The goal isn't just more hours of sleep — it's sleep that actually lets you rest.

Telehealth and Insurance

New London residents can see Sindhia entirely over telehealth — a secure video visit from home, which is often easier when you're already depleted. In-person appointments are also available at 1 Liberty Sq, Ste 301, New Britain, CT. Elite Health accepts Aetna, Cigna, Husky Health, Medicaid, United Healthcare, Anthem, ConnectiCare, and self-pay. Sindhia provides care in English, Malayalam, Tamil, and Telugu.

Frequently Asked Questions