Targeting sleep quality in acutely traumatized individuals to reduce the risk for PTSD: study protocol for a multicentre randomized clinical trial
2024

Improving Sleep Quality to Prevent PTSD in Traumatized Individuals

Sample size: 104 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Clara Sayk, Jovana Lehmann-Grube, Eva Fassbinder, Sabine Groch, Ingo Schäfer, Ines Wilhelm-Groch

Primary Institution: University of Lübeck

Hypothesis

Can digital cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (dCBT-I) improve sleep quality and reduce PTSD symptoms in acutely traumatized individuals?

Conclusion

This study suggests that using dCBT-I as an early intervention may help prevent the development of PTSD in individuals who have recently experienced trauma.

Supporting Evidence

  • Sleep disturbances are common after traumatic events and could contribute to the processing of the traumatic event being disturbed.
  • This study will increase our understanding of the role of sleep in PTSD development.
  • The investigated approach has the potential to open up new possibilities for PTSD prevention.

Takeaway

This study is trying to help people who have been through a tough time sleep better so they don't get really sad or scared later on.

Methodology

A multicentre randomized controlled trial will recruit 104 patients to receive either dCBT-I or a sleep diary as an add-on to treatment-as-usual.

Potential Biases

Self-selection bias may occur as more motivated patients might be more likely to participate.

Limitations

The study may face challenges in participant compliance and the variability of treatment across different centers.

Participant Demographics

Participants aged 18 to 55 who have experienced a traumatic event within the past three months.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1080/20008066.2024.2432163

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