More research is pointing to a link between sleep disturbances and the development of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), according to scientists attending the 16th annual meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies.
With the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, scientists asserted that a greater understanding of how sleep is related to trauma is not only clinically interesting, but has become socially necessary.
Clinicians will often focus on the trauma rather than treating the patient's sleep problems, they said. Dr. Barry Krakow of the Sleep and Human Health Institute in New Mexico said many trauma victims can experience effects for up to 15 years, but almost never see a sleep doctor.
Also, Dr. Steven Woodward, of the National Center for PTSD at the Department of Veterans Affairs, pointed out that sleep disturbances are closely connected to the aftereffects of traumatic experiences. He explained how the same part of the brain that regulates responses to fear is also relevant to sleep.
These findings have led Dr. Woodward to recommend that sleep and nightmares be incorporated into treating trauma victims.
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