J Korean Neuropsychiatr Assoc.  2005 Mar;44(2):152-157.

Sleep of PTSD

• Lim SW
• Kim L

Abstract

Sleep disturbance is a very common complaint among patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Recent studies suggest that sleep disturbances such as nightmare and insomnia are important in predicting later development of PTSD as well as diagnosing PTSD. Despite of its clinical significance and importance, consistent characterization of the neurophysiology underlying sleep symptoms in PTSD has been elusive. However, hyperarousal by increased noradrenergic activity in symphathetic nervous system and/or dysregulation and fragmentation of REM sleep seem to have a significant role in mediating sleep disturbances of this disorder. In this article, the authors reviewed various literatures on sleep of PTSD and emphasized the importance of evaluating sleep disturbances in PTSD.

Keyword

PTSD; Sleep; Hyperarousal; REM sleep

MeSH Terms

Dreams
Humans
Negotiating
Nervous System
Neurophysiology
Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders
Sleep, REM
Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic*