The Impact of Trauma on Sleep Quality: Examining the Role of Nightmares in Cognitive Impairment
Annals of Neurosciences April 18, 2026 T. S. Saranya, Sera Mary Soloman, Sandeep Kumar Gupta et al.
Young adults aged 18–30 with a history of trauma reported more frequent nightmares, poorer sleep quality, and greater cognitive difficulties—particularly memory lapses and concentration problems—than those without trauma. Regular nightmares were also linked to higher daytime impairment, suggesting that nocturnal distress contributes to reduced cognitive efficiency. The findings indicate that nightmares are not merely a symptom of trauma but also a factor in cognitive challenges, and that sleep-focused interventions may improve cognitive well-being in trauma-affected individuals.