Treating nightmares--sleep medicine and posttraumatic stress disorder.

Nightmares are a common and distressing symptom of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This review examines the intersection of sleep medicine and PTSD, focusing on the treatment of nightmares. It discusses the neurobiological mechanisms underlying nightmares in PTSD, including alterations in REM sleep and hyperarousal. The authors argue that effective treatment requires addressing both the trauma-related content of nightmares and the underlying sleep disturbance. Pharmacological and psychotherapeutic approaches, such as prazosin and imagery rehearsal therapy, are reviewed as evidence-based interventions. The text contends that integrating sleep medicine principles into PTSD treatment can improve outcomes for patients suffering from nightmares.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Treating nightmares--sleep medicine and posttraumatic stress disorder.