Abstract
Sleep disturbances frequently co-occur with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Insomnia and nightmares are viewed as core symptoms of PTSD. Yet, relations between disturbed sleep and PTSD are far more complex: PTSD is linked to a broad range of sleep disorders and disturbed sleep markedly affects PTSD-outcome. This article provides a concise overview of the literature on prevalent comorbid sleep disorders, their reciprocal relation with PTSD and possible underlying neurophysiological mechanisms. Furthermore, diagnostic procedures, standard interventions—particularly first choice non-pharmacological therapies—and practical problems that often arise in the assessment and treatment of sleep disturbances in PTSD are described. Finally, we will present some perspectives on future multidisciplinary clinical and experimental research to develop new, more effective sleep therapies to improve both sleep and PTSD.
Highlights
Sleep disturbances frequently occur in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and are reported by 70–90% of patients [1]
In this paper we provide an overview of prevalent sleep disorders in PTSD, the reciprocal association of sleep disturbances and PTSD and its underlying mechanisms, as well as information on accurate assessment and treatment of disturbed sleep tailored to the PTSD patient population
Research convincingly demonstrates that PTSD is frequently associated with multiple and diverse sleep disorders that impact both PTSD development, maintenance and recovery
Summary
Sleep disturbances frequently occur in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and are reported by 70–90% of patients [1]. Various other sleep disorders are common in PTSD [e.g., [3, 4]]. It has long been thought that interventions focusing on trauma itself would eventually reduce disturbed sleep, but accumulating evidence shows that sleep disorders play a central role in both the development and maintenance of PTSD [e.g., [5, 6]] and require particular clinical attention. Our perspectives for future research directed at more effective sleep-targeted interventions and integrated treatment strategies are described. Our aim is to enhance awareness of clinical practitioners of the importance of targeting sleep in PTSD treatment
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