Go Back Research Article October, 2001

The Relationship of Sleep Quality and Posttraumatic Stress to Potential Sleep Disorders in Sexual Assault Survivors with Nightmares, Insomnia, and PTSD

Author Mary P. Koss Author Barry Krakow Author Michael A. Hollifield Author LISA GRAZINA JOHNSTON Author TEDDY D WARNER Author Ronald M. Schrader Author Dan Tandberg Author Dominic Melendrez Author Anne Germain

Abstract

Sleep quality and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were examined in 151 sexual assault survivors, 77% of whom had previously reported symptoms of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) or sleep movement disorders (SMD) or both. Participants completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Posttraumatic Stress Scale (PSS). High PSQI scores reflected extremely poor sleep quality and correlated with PSS scores. PSQI scores were greater in participants with potential SDB or SMD or both. PSQI or PSS scores coupled with body-mass index and use of antidepressants or anxiolytics predicted potential sleep disorders. The relationship between sleep and posttraumatic stress appears to be more complex than can be explained by the current PTSD paradigm; and, sleep breathing and sleep movement disorders may be associated with this complexity.

Keywords

PTSD Insomnia Nightmares Sleep-Disordered Breathing (SDB) Restless Legs Periodic Limb Movements Sleep Quality Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Sexual Assault Survivors Sleep Movement Disorders (SMD) Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) Posttraumatic Stress Scale (PSS) Poor Sleep Quality PTSD Symptoms Antidepressant Use Anxiolytic Use Body Mass Index (BMI) Sleep Disorder Prediction Trauma And Sleep
Details
Volume 14
Pages 647–665
DOI 10.1023/A:1013029819358
ISSN 0894-9867
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