Sleep disturbances in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder: possible mechanisms and main treatment approaches

The review summarizes the results of sleep studies in patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and describes the specific features of nightmares as well as other sleep disturbances specific to this disease. Hypothetical mechanisms of impaired adaptive function of dreams and sleep-dependent reconsolidation of emotional memory in PTSD are addressed. The diagnostic value of dreams during the acute posttraumatic period is discussed. Modern methodological approaches to the treatment of PTSD and concomitant insomnia and nightmares are presented.