Trauma — the blanket term for any physically or psychologically damaging experience — is sadly common in our society. According to the National Center for PTSD, roughly 60% of men and 50% of women will experience at least one traumatic event during their lifetimes. Trauma can cause a wide range of long-lasting, negative health effects, including insomnia and other sleep-related problems.
This piece will discuss the realities of trauma and how traumatic events can impact our sleep patterns and routines. Read on to learn more about common sleep disorders associated with trauma, treatment options, and resources that help segments of the population that are considered especially vulnerable to trauma-related symptoms (such as children and war veterans). First, let’s see how the medical and psychological communities currently define different types of trauma, as well as the condition known as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
