Treating nightmares and insomnia in posttraumatic stress disorder: a review of current evidence.
Carla M Nappi, Sean P A Drummond, Joshua M H Hall
Neuropharmacology March 17, 2011 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2011.02.029 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Dreaming PTSD |
| Keywords | Humans Hypnotics and sedatives Antipsychotic agents Antidepressive agents Treatment outcome Dreams Stress disorders, post-traumatic Behavior therapy |
| Key findings | Argues that some behavioral and pharmacological interventions show promise for posttraumatic nightmares and insomnia, especially nightmares, but that controlled trials with valid sleep measures and designs capable of identifying treatment mechanisms are needed. Proposes that combining or sequencing behavioral and pharmacological treatments targeting both daytime and nighttime PTSD symptoms may improve outcomes over treating sleep symptoms in isolation. |
Abstract
Emerging evidence supports the notion of disrupted sleep as a core component of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Effective treatments for nighttime PTSD symptoms are critical because sleep disruption may be mechanistically linked to development and maintenance of PTSD and is associated with significant distress, functional impairment, and poor health. This review aimed to describe the state of science with respect to the impact of the latest behavioral and pharmacological interventions on posttraumatic nightmares and insomnia. Published studies that examined evidence for therapeutic effects upon sleep were included. Some behavioral and pharmacological interventions show promise, especially for nightmares, but there is a need for controlled trials that include valid sleep measures and are designed to identify treatment mechanisms. Our ability to treat PTSD-related sleep disturbances may be improved by moving away from considering sleep symptoms in isolation and instead conducting integrative studies that examine sequential or combined behavioral and/or pharmacological treatments targeting both the daytime and nighttime aspects of PTSD. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder'.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on PTSD, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychedelic Psychiatry's Brave New World. | 2020 | Review | |
| Reviewing the Potential of Psychedelics for the Treatment of PTSD | 2020 | Review | |
| Novel psychopharmacological therapies for psychiatric disorders: psilocybin and MDMA. | 2016 | Review | |
| MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD: Are memory reconsolidation and fear extinction underlying mechanisms? | 2018 | Review | |
| Clinical applications of hallucinogens: A review. | 2016 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 15
- The relationships between insomnia, nightmares, and dreams: A systematic review Sleep Medicine Reviews April 16, 2024
- The Impact of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapies for Nightmares and Prazosin on the Reduction of Post-Traumatic Nightmares, Sleep, and PTSD Symptoms: A Systematic Review and Meta- Analysis of Randomized and Non‐Randomized Studies InTech eBooks November 2, 2016
- Efficacy of Mantram Repetition Program on Sleep in Veterans with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder 2014
- Clinical effectiveness of a group therapy combining cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia and imagery rehearsal therapy for nightmares in an operational stress injury clinic. Behaviour Research and Therapy May 1, 2026
- A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Psychotherapeutic Approaches for Recurring Nightmares Qeios August 28, 2023
and 10 more in the library
Cites 13
- A combined group treatment for nightmares and insomnia in combat veterans: A pilot study Journal of Traumatic Stress November 11, 2009
- Increased Mastery Elements Associated With Imagery Rehearsal Treatment for Nightmares in Sexual Assault Survivors With PTSD. Dreaming December 1, 2004
- Imagery rehearsal for posttraumatic nightmares: A randomized controlled trial Journal of Traumatic Stress October 1, 2010
- Best practice guide for the treatment of nightmare disorder in adults. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine August 1, 2010
- Effectiveness of imagery rehearsal therapy for the treatment of combat-related nightmares in veterans. Behavior Therapy June 1, 2010
and 8 more in the library