Volume 39 · Number 6
JUNE 2009

Sleep Disturbances in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

By Anne Germain, PhD

Sleep disturbances are a prominent feature of trauma reactions and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) across the lifespan. However, the literature on the prevalence, specific nature, time course, clinical and psychophysiological correlates, and effects of sleep-focused treatment in children and adolescents exposed to traumatic events is limited. Therefore, this article focuses on the nature, evaluation, and treatment of sleep disturbances in adults with PTSD.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Anne Germain, PhD, is with the Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.

Address correspondence to: Anne Germain, PhD, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 3811 O’Hara Street, Room E-1124, Pittsburgh, PA 15213; fax 412-246-5300; or e-mail germaina@upmc.edu.

Dr. Germain has disclosed no relevant financial relationships.

doi: 10.3928/00485713-20090514-02

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES

1. Classify sleep disturbances as an important treatment target in adults with PTSD.

2. Identify frequent sleep disturbances associated with PTSD.

3. Recognize effective pharmacological and behavioral treatments of sleep disturbances in PTSD.