The role of sleep disturbances in the maintenance of PTSD symptoms: a literature review
Eurasian Journal of Current Research in Psychology and Pedagogy February 13, 2026 DOI: 10.46914/2959-3999-2026-1-1-14-24 (opens in new tab) via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractSleep disturbances, including insomnia and trauma-related nightmares, affect up to 90% of individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This review of empirical studies, meta-analyses, and clinical trials published between 2010 and 2025 indicates that disrupted sleep architecture contributes to impaired emotional regulation, deficits in memory consolidation, and heightened threat sensitivity, thereby exacerbating daytime PTSD symptoms. Evidence demonstrates that sleep-focused interventions, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), imagery rehearsal therapy (IRT), and pharmacological treatments, effectively reduce sleep problems and lead to improvements in core PTSD symptoms. The findings suggest that early and integrated treatment of sleep disturbances may enhance overall PTSD recovery.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Literature review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Anxiety PTSD |
| Keywords | Insomnia Sleep system call Posttraumatic stress Sleep disorder |
| Key finding | Sleep disturbances are bidirectionally linked to PTSD symptoms, and sleep-focused interventions improve both sleep problems and core PTSD symptoms. |
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) represents one of the most debilitating psychiatric conditions. Posttraumatic stress disorder is frequently accompanied by sleep disturbances, including insomnia and trauma-related nightmares, affecting up to 90% of individuals with this condition. This literature review examines the bidirectional relationship between sleep disturbances and PTSD symptoms, focusing on the role of sleep as both a symptom and a maintaining factor of the disorder. A review of empirical studies, meta-analyses, and clinical trials published between 2010 and 2025 indicates that disrupted sleep architecture contributes to impaired emotional regulation, deficits in memory consolidation, and heightened threat sensitivity, thereby exacerbating daytime PTSD symptoms. Evidence demonstrates that sleep-focused interventions, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), imagery rehearsal therapy (IRT), and pharmacological treatments, effectively reduce sleep problems and lead to improvements in core PTSD symptoms. The findings suggest that early and integrated treatment of sleep disturbances may enhance overall PTSD recovery and improve the outcomes of trauma-focused therapies.