Temporal relations between sleep problems and both traumatic event exposure and PTSD: a critical review of the empirical literature

Abstract

There has been growing interest in the interrelations among traumatic event exposure, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and sleep problems. A wealth of research has examined the associations among these factors and there is an emerging literature focused on how sleep problems relate to both traumatic event exposure and PTSD across time. The current review provides a detailed analysis of studies pertaining to the temporal patterning of sleep problems and traumatic event-related factors (e.g., traumatic event exposure, PTSD) and draws conclusions regarding the current state of this literature. Research coalesces to suggest (1) exposure to a traumatic event can interfere with sleep, (2) PTSD is related to the development of self-reported sleep problems, but evidence is less clear regarding objective indices of sleep, and (3) limited evidence suggests sleep problems may interfere with recovery from elevated posttraumatic stress levels. Future research now needs to focus on understanding mechanisms involved in these patterns to inform the prevention and treatment of comorbid sleep problems and PTSD.