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Sleep and posttraumatic stress disorder: a review
Allison G Harvey1, Charlie Jones, D Anne Schmidt
1Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, OX1 3UD, UK. allison.harvey@psy.ox.ac.uk
Clinical Psychology Review
|May 6, 2003
Summary
Sleep disturbances are complex in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Further research is needed to understand the relationship between sleep and PTSD for better treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Sleep Medicine
- Trauma Studies
Background:
- The relationship between sleep and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is not fully understood.
- Existing research on sleep disturbances in acute stress disorder (ASD) and PTSD is limited.
- There is a lack of empirically supported theories explaining the sleep-PTSD connection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize and critically review the literature on sleep disturbance prevalence and treatment in ASD and PTSD.
- To synthesize various theoretical perspectives on the sleep-PTSD relationship.
- To identify key areas for future research in sleep and PTSD.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and critical analysis of existing studies.
- Summarization of research on sleep disturbance characteristics in PTSD, including nightmares and REM sleep abnormalities.
- Review of treatment studies for sleep disturbances in individuals with PTSD.
Main Results:
- Sleep disturbances, including nightmares and REM sleep abnormalities, are common in PTSD.
- Current treatments for sleep disturbance in PTSD show varied effectiveness.
- The role of sleep in PTSD is complex and multifaceted.
Conclusions:
- Sleep is a critical but complex factor in understanding and treating PTSD.
- Improved research methodologies are essential for advancing the field.
- Further investigation into the sleep-PTSD relationship is crucial for developing effective interventions.