Although certain stresses and challenges are common to the human experience, a segment of the population has experienced a life-altering trauma. This disturbance may be caused by a single, terrifying event or the endurance of long-term anguish or abuse.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is the term given to a mental health condition that develops in response to extreme trauma. PTSD affects an estimated five million people in the United States each year. A patient who has suffered stress to this level deserves a compassionate, effective, and sound treatment.
Recent research has revealed a significant connection between sleep quality and PTSD. The goal of improved sleep patterns is especially promising because it has no side effects and is beneficial to all life processes. Consider these promising findings in seeking help for PTSD
Sleep is vital to our overall health. Disruption of sleep negatively impacts physical health by increasing the risk of major disorders such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes and by reducing immune responses. Poor sleep also affects psychological well-being by increasing the occurrence of anxiety and depression and reducing cognitive function.
The International Classification of Sleep Disorders (ICSD) classifies sleep disturbances in two main subgroups:
Insomnia (the inability to sleep well) and hypersomnia (excessive sleepiness and lethargy).
- Parasomnia (behaviors that lessen the quality of sleep, including sleepwalking, grinding or clenching of teeth and movement of limbs).
For those suffering PTSD, sleep disturbances have significant clinical consequences. A recent study in the Metropolitan Toronto area revealed that 70%-80% of PTSD patients suffered insomnia, while up to 88% reported terrifying nightmares.
Sleep is so significant for those dealing with trauma that a cyclical effect has been identified. A growing body of evidence indicates that not only does PTSD bring on disruptions in sleep, but those who suffer poor sleep are more likely to develop PTSD in the first place. If sleep can be monitored and improved, this debilitating cycle can be interrupted, and healing can begin.
You deserve to rest from the ravaging condition of PTSD. Take the first step toward relief by scheduling a comprehensive sleep study to diagnose the precise disturbances and complications that you are experiencing. This knowledge will serve as the basis for effective treatment and a hopeful future.
