top of page

Trauma & Sleep Disturbance - More Than Nightmares

Updated: Dec 11, 2024

ree

Whilst recurring and / or disturbing nightmares are a well-known 'symptom' of trauma (PTSD, cPTSD), the disruptive effect on sleep is far greater than nightmares alone.


Sleep disturbance, as a broad category, affects approximately 90% of people with PTSD/cPTSD. 


Below are several additional, high prevalence sleep disorders also experienced by people with PTSD/cPTSD, compared to the general population:

•Periodic limb movement in sleep- 60%, compared to 10% in general population. 

•Obstructive Sleep Apnoea. 44%-76%, compared to 5%-15% in general population.

•Insomnia (70%). 

•Nightmares (72%).

•Fragmented sleep, including higher frequency of eye movements but without atonia (loss of muscle tone leading to temporary paralysis of skeletal muscles) & with sympathetic activation (fight/flight response).


Disturbed sleep has a compounding effect on anxiety, mood and overall wellbeing (including long term health).


To develop a comprehensive understanding on trauma, PTSD and complex PTSD, register for our 2-day trauma masterclass workshop in Townsville, 19-20 February 2025.


Register before 02.02.2025 using the code 'Early bird FEB' for 10% off the registration fee. For more details and to register, see our training page by clicking here:  



References


  1. Gupta, M., (2024). Limb Movements in Sleep [LMS] and PTSD-related Physical Symptoms: Preliminary Observations, Sleep, Volume 47, Issue Supplement_1, May 2024, Page A404, https://doi.org/10.1093/sleep/zsae067.0941

  2. Zhang Y, Weed JG, Ren R, Tang X, Zhang W. (2017). Prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea in patients with posttraumatic stress disorder and its impact on adherence to continuous positive airway pressure therapy: a meta-analysis. Sleep Med. 2017 Aug;36:125-132. doi: 10.1016/j.sleep.2017.04.020. Epub 2017 May 31. PMID: 28735910.

  3. Ohayon MM, Shapiro CM. (2000). Sleep disturbances and psychiatric disorders associated with posttraumatic stress disorder in the general population. Compr Psychiatry. 2000;41(6):469–478. 10.1053/comp.2000.16568

  4. •El-Solh AA. (2018). Management of nightmares in patients with posttraumatic stress disorder: current perspectives. Nat Sci Sleep. 2018 Nov 26;10:409-420. doi: 10.2147/NSS.S166089. PMID: 30538593; PMCID: PMC6263296.

  5. Mellman TA, Nolan B, Hebding J, Kulick-Bell R, Dominguez R. (1997). A polysomnographic comparison of veterans with combat-related PTSD, depressed men, & non-ill controls. Sleep. 1997;20(1):46–51. 10.1093/sleep/20.1.46

  6. Ross RJ, Ball WA, Dinges DF, et al. (1994).  Motor dysfunction during sleep in posttraumatic stress disorder. Sleep. 1994;17(8):723–732. 10.1093/sleep/17.8.723




 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page