Prevalence and Characteristics of Posttraumatic Nightmares in War- and Conflict-Affected Students
Nature and Science of Sleep March 1, 2021 Jon‐Håkon Schultz, June Thorvaldsen Forsberg, Gerlinde C. Harb et al. 13 citations
Recurrent nightmares are common among children and adolescents living in conflict zones. In a study of 300 students aged 10-12 in the Gaza Strip, 56% reported recurrent nightmares, averaging 4.20 nights per week over 2.48 years. Among a larger sample of 1,093 treatment-seeking students aged 6-17, recurrent traumatic nightmares occurred on average 4.57 nights per week for 2.82 years. Self-reported academic functioning was negatively associated with experiencing nightmares, but not with nightmare frequency or intensity. The findings suggest that students in conflict-affected areas are particularly vulnerable and may benefit from screening and treatment for recurrent posttraumatic nightmares.