Sleep in PTSD: treatment approaches and outcomes

Curr Opin Psychol. 2020 Aug:34:12-17. doi: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2019.08.017. Epub 2019 Aug 23.

Abstract

The high incidence of sleep disturbance associated with trauma exposure and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) points to the need for effective sleep interventions for trauma survivors. The present review focuses on recent psychotherapeutic, pharmacological, and sleep medicine treatment approaches for sleep disturbances in PTSD. Findings highlight that targeted sleep interventions can ameliorate sleep symptoms and mitigate daytime PTSD symptoms. Attention has turned to the role of multidisciplinary and integrative approaches, as comprehensive treatment for sleep disturbances in PTSD is likely to require innovative assessment modalities and multiple interventions. A method for compressing these components into a treatment plan acceptable to most PTSD-diagnosed patients remains to be developed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Sleep
  • Sleep Wake Disorders* / therapy
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic* / therapy