The Manifestations of Sleep Disturbances 16 Years Post-Trauma.
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ABSTRACT: Study objectives
Limited data exist on the association between trauma and sleep across developmental stages, particularly trauma experienced in childhood and sleep in adulthood. We assessed sleep quality across the developmental spectrum among avalanche survivors 16 years after exposure as compared to a matched comparison cohort.Methods
Participants were survivors of two avalanche-affected towns (n = 286) and inhabitants of non-exposed towns (n = 357). Symptoms were assessed with respect to the survivors' developmental stage at the time of the disaster: childhood (2-12), adolescence (13-19), young adult (20-39), and adult (? 40). The Posttraumatic Diagnostic Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index PTSD Addendum were used.Results
Overall PTSD symptoms were not associated with avalanche exposure in any age groups under study. However, survivors who were children at the time of the disaster were 2.58 times (95% CI 1.33-5.01) more likely to have PTSD-related sleep disturbances (PSQI-A score ? 4) in adulthood than their non-exposed peers, especially symptoms of acting out dreams (aRR = 3.54; 95% CI 1.15-10.87). Those who were adults at time of the exposure had increased risk of trauma-related nightmares (aRR = 2.69; 95% CI 1.07-6.79 for young adults aRR = 3.07; 95% CI 1.51-6.24 for adults) compared to their non-exposed peers.Conclusions
Our data indicate a chronicity of PTSD-related sleep disturbances, particularly among childhood trauma survivors. REM sleep disturbances may have different manifestations depending on the developmental stage at the time of trauma exposure.
SUBMITTER: Thordardottir EB
PROVIDER: S-EPMC4945314 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Aug
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Publications
The Manifestations of Sleep Disturbances 16 Years Post-Trauma.
Thordardottir Edda Bjork EB Hansdottir Ingunn I Valdimarsdottir Unnur Anna UA Shipherd Jillian C JC Resnick Heidi H Gudmundsdottir Berglind B
Sleep 20160801 8
<h4>Study objectives</h4>Limited data exist on the association between trauma and sleep across developmental stages, particularly trauma experienced in childhood and sleep in adulthood. We assessed sleep quality across the developmental spectrum among avalanche survivors 16 years after exposure as compared to a matched comparison cohort.<h4>Methods</h4>Participants were survivors of two avalanche-affected towns (n = 286) and inhabitants of non-exposed towns (n = 357). Symptoms were assessed with ...[more]
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