0672 Nightmare Disorder & Insomnia Severity in Complex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Abstract:

Introduction: Most adults experience a traumatic event at some point in their lifetime, and some also go on to develop posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Sleep disorders such as insomnia and nightmares are common in PTSD, which may be due to hyperarousal and distressing memories that disrupt the sleep-wake cycle. Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) is a new distinct diagnosis of PTSD that includes three new symptom domains: emotional dysregulation, negative self-cognitions, and interpersonal hardships. Despite evidence linking PTSD and sleep disturbances, this work has yet to be extended to C-PTSD. To address this gap, the current study examined the association between nightmares, insomnia, and C-PTSD symptoms, as well as explored gender and the time elapsed since the traumatic event as moderating variables.

Methods: Data were obtained from a sample of 243 trauma-exposed participants recruited online. Most participants identified as White (n = 207; 85%), non-Hispanic (n = 219; 90%), and female (n = 135; 56%), with an average age of 37.26 years (SD = 11.39). The Complex Trauma Inventory (CTI) and International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ) were utilized to measure C-PTSD symptoms.

Results: Greater C-PTSD symptoms measured via the CTI were associated with greater insomnia symptoms (b = 3.22, 95% CI [2.46, 3.97]) and nightmare disorder symptoms (b = 2.14, 95% CI [1.57, 2.72]). Similarly, greater C-PTSD symptoms measured via the ITQ were also associated with greater insomnia symptoms (b = 0.28, 95% CI [0.22, 0.34]) and nightmare disorder symptoms (b = 0.18, 95% CI [0.13, 0.23]). No moderating effects of gender or time elapsed since trauma were found.

Conclusion: Results underscore that C-PTSD symptoms are strongly linked to nightmares and problems falling asleep, staying asleep, and waking up too early—regardless of a person’s gender identity or how long ago they experienced a traumatic event. Findings may inform more targeted, sleep-focused cognitive-behavioral treatments for C-PTSD. Support (if any):