Predictors of sleep disturbances in Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom veterans reporting a trauma.
This investigation assessed the extent to which various health factors are associated with difficulties initiating and maintaining sleep (DIMS) and nightmares among Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom (OIF/OEF) veterans reporting a trauma (combat, noncombat, or a trauma before service). Veterans (N = 201, 88.1% male, mean age = 34.2, SD = 10.1) were referred by primary care for a behavioral health assessment upon evidence of psychiatric symptoms. Sleep problems were assessed using items from the PTSD checklist. After controlling for demographics and nonsleep PTSD symptoms, head injury with a loss of consciousness increased the likelihood of severe nightmares (OR = 3.77, p = 0.019), alcohol abuse or dependence increased the likelihood of moderate nightmares (OR = 4.80, p = 0.007), and greater nonsleep depression increased the likelihood of severe DIMS (OR = 1.20, p = 0.008). Thus, factors aside from PTSD severity are related to sleep disturbance in OIF/OEF veterans reporting a trauma.
Gellis
Les A
LA
Philadelphia Veterans Medical Center, MIRECC (116, 2nd floor), University and Woodland Avenues, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
Gehrman
Philip R
PR
Mavandadi
Shahrzad
S
Oslin
David W
DW
D000328:Adult; D055826:Afghan Campaign 2001-; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D054542:Iraq War, 2003-2011; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012893:Sleep Wake Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D014728:Veterans / Q000523:psychology*