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A combined group treatment for nightmares and insomnia in combat veterans: A pilot study
Author(s) -
Swanson Leslie M.,
Favorite Todd K.,
Horin Elizabeth,
Arnedt J. Todd
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
journal of traumatic stress
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.259
H-Index - 134
eISSN - 1573-6598
pISSN - 0894-9867
DOI - 10.1002/jts.20468
Subject(s) - insomnia , nightmare , cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia , psychology , sleep quality , cognitive behavioral therapy , clinical psychology , psychiatry , relaxation therapy , exposure therapy , cognitive processing therapy , sleep disorder , group psychotherapy , cognition , anxiety
Insomnia and nightmares are hallmarks of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Sleep disturbances in PTSD negatively impact clinical course and functioning. In this open clinical trial, the preliminary effects of a combined treatment for insomnia and nightmares in combat veterans with PTSD were assessed. Ten combat veterans participated in a 10‐session group treatment combining cognitive–behavioral therapy for insomnia with exposure, rescripting, and relaxation therapy. Participants maintained daily sleep and dream diaries and completed self‐report measures of sleep quality and PTSD symptoms pre‐ and posttreatment. Participants reported improvements in sleep and nightmares following treatment. Future research using controlled designs to evaluate this treatment is warranted.