2025, Vol. 5, Issue 2, Part A

Author(s)
Emily R Johnson, Michael A Davis and Olivia P Harris

Abstract
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)) is often accompanied by significant sleep disturbances, which may contribute to the persistence and severity of symptoms. This study aimed to explore sleep architecture alterations in individuals with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) through polysomnographic (PSG) analysis, comparing sleep patterns in a Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) group (n = 30) and a matched control group (n = 30). The study focused on key sleep parameters, including N1, N2, N3, and REM sleep, as well as REM latency and the number of REM periods. Results indicated that Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) patients spent significantly more time in lighter sleep stages (N1), with significantly reduced N3 duration and fewer REM periods compared to controls. Additionally, REM latency was significantly delayed in the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) group. Correlational analysis revealed that longer N1 duration was positively associated with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptom severity, particularly hyperarousal and avoidance symptoms, while reduced N3 duration was inversely correlated with symptom severity. Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that N1 sleep duration was a significant predictor of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) severity. These findings suggest that sleep architecture disruptions, including increased light sleep and reduced deep sleep, may contribute to the maintenance of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms, particularly hyperarousal. Given the significant impact of sleep disturbances on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), practical recommendations include incorporating sleep-focused interventions, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) and sleep hygiene education, into standard Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) treatment plans. Further research is needed to investigate the causal mechanisms behind these sleep alterations and the potential benefits of sleep interventions in mitigating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptomatology.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.22271/27891623.2025.v5.i2a.81

Pages: 42-48 | Views: 126 | Downloads: 70