Sleep disturbances are key symptoms of acute stress reactions and post-traumatic syndrome, leading to a decrease in mood, concentration, cognitive ability, and physical health. Studies show that around 35% of trauma victims experience nightmares, while approximately 58% struggle with sleep difficulties within a day of the trauma. Prompt and proper treatment of sleep disorders can be beneficial in the short term and may help prevent the development of post-traumatic symptoms.
In the medical community, there is a lack of consensus on the best approach to drug treatment for sleep disorders related to trauma. Dr. Daniel Warsman Berkovich and Dr. Yoel Reiter from the Israeli Sleep Research Society have developed new guidelines outlining recommendations for drug therapy. They emphasize a multidisciplinary approach, with a focus on behavioral and psychological therapies such as sedation techniques, sleep hygiene education, and avoiding substances like caffeine and screens before bed.
Experts caution against the use of antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications from the SSRI and SNRI classes, as they can have negative effects on sleep quality. Instead, they recommend specific medications that can improve certain stages of sleep, such as certain antipsychotic drugs. Beta-blockers like propranolol and benzodiazepines are also discouraged due to their potential to worsen insomnia and post-traumatic symptoms.
Nightmares are highlighted as a particularly distressing symptom for trauma survivors, impacting their quality of life and daily functioning. Dr. Yoel Reiter, a sleep medicine specialist, stresses the importance of addressing nightmares as part of the overall treatment plan for trauma victims. He urges individuals experiencing nightmares to seek help from their primary care physician and consider consulting with sleep specialists for targeted treatments that can significantly improve their quality of life.