Assessing Triggers of Posttrauma Nightmares

Abstract

Introduction: Posttrauma nightmares are highly problematic and treatment resistant symptoms that can occur after an individual experiences a traumatic event. Posttrauma nightmares can occur as frequently as 4-6 times per week, but often occur in a seemingly random pattern. Although these parasomnias are quite prevalent in trauma survivors, very little is known about the mechanisms underlying their sporadic occurrence. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate potential triggers of posttrauma nightmares. Methods: The current study consisted of 27 female college students who reported frequently experiencing posttrauma nightmares related to a sexual trauma. Approximately half of the sample was recruited from an introduction to psychology participant pool and half from clinical referrals. Participants completed an initial assessment battery as well as 6 consecutive days of pre and postsleep diaries, which included measures of potential triggers of posttrauma nightmares as well as measures intended to assess sleep quality and posttrauma nightmare occurrence. Descriptive statistics, mean comparison analyses, mixed effects logistical regressions, and moderation analyses were used to examine the data. Results: Overall, the sample consisted of high levels of general psychopathology and 28 posttrauma nightmares were reported. Results suggest that presleep cognitive arousal and sleep latency both predict the occurrence of posttrauma nightmares. Further, moderation results suggest that presleep cognitive arousal moderates the relationship between sleep latency and posttrauma nightmare occurrence. Conclusion: Overall, the results of this study are the first to report that presleep cognitive arousal and sleep latency, both individually and combined may influence the occurrence of a posttrauma nightmare.