Sleep Disorders and Mood, Anxiety, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders: Overview of Clinical Treatments in the Context of Sleep Disturbances

Abstract

Sleep disruptions are frequently reported by persons with mood, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorders, and co-occur with psychiatric disorders. There is evidence that sleep disorders can predict the likelihood of developing a future psychiatric disorder and exacerbate existing symptoms. Understanding the inter-relationships between sleep and psychiatric disorders is important. The primary goals of this article are to describe the interactions between psychiatric and sleep disorders in the context of sleep disturbances, underscore the bidirectional effects of mental health treatments on sleep disorder outcomes, and provide general recommendations to optimize treatment in the context of sleep disturbances.

Keywords: Anxiety; Mood disorders; PTSD; Sleep disturbances; Treatment.