Katherine E Miller1,2, Janeese A Brownlow3, Steve Woodward1,2, Philip R Gehrman4,5. 1. National Center for PTSD, Dissemination and Training Division, VA Palo Alto Healthcare System, Menlo Park, CA, USA. 2. Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA. 3. Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, 3535 Market Street, Suite 670, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA. 4. Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, 3535 Market Street, Suite 670, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA. gehrman@upenn.edu. 5. Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA. gehrman@upenn.edu.
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Sleep disturbances are core features of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This review aims to characterize sleep disturbances, summarize the knowledge regarding the relationships between trauma exposure and sleep difficulties, and highlight empirically supported and/or utilized treatments for trauma-related nightmares and insomnia. RECENT FINDINGS: Trauma-related nightmares and insomnia, and other sleep disorders, are frequently reported among trauma survivors. The roles of fear of sleep, REM density, and decreased parasympathetic activity are beginning to inform the relationship between trauma exposure and sleep difficulties. Additionally, the potential adaptive role of sleep loss immediately following a traumatic experience is being recognized. Interventions targeting these sleep disturbances show promise in reducing symptoms. Research in understanding the role of sleep on the development, course, and treatment of PTSD is expanding. Longitudinal investigations are needed to further elucidate these relationships and identify treatments most effective in ameliorating symptoms.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Sleep disturbances are core features of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This review aims to characterize sleep disturbances, summarize the knowledge regarding the relationships between trauma exposure and sleep difficulties, and highlight empirically supported and/or utilized treatments for trauma-related nightmares and insomnia. RECENT FINDINGS:Trauma-related nightmares and insomnia, and other sleep disorders, are frequently reported among trauma survivors. The roles of fear of sleep, REM density, and decreased parasympathetic activity are beginning to inform the relationship between trauma exposure and sleep difficulties. Additionally, the potential adaptive role of sleep loss immediately following a traumatic experience is being recognized. Interventions targeting these sleep disturbances show promise in reducing symptoms. Research in understanding the role of sleep on the development, course, and treatment of PTSD is expanding. Longitudinal investigations are needed to further elucidate these relationships and identify treatments most effective in ameliorating symptoms.
Authors: T C Neylan; C R Marmar; T J Metzler; D S Weiss; D F Zatzick; K L Delucchi; R M Wu; F B Schoenfeld Journal: Am J Psychiatry Date: 1998-07 Impact factor: 18.112
Authors: Jeehye Seo; Katelyn I Oliver; Carolina Daffre; Kylie N Moore; Samuel Gazecki; Natasha B Lasko; Mohammed R Milad; Edward F Pace-Schott Journal: Sleep Date: 2022-03-14 Impact factor: 6.313