In This Issue

Feature Topic

Sleep Problems Following Trauma

Many people have trouble sleeping at times. However, this is more likely after you have been through trauma such as an accident, war, assault, or disaster.

You may find you are sleeping too little, or too much, or having nightmares. If these symptoms don't go away, get worse over time or interfere with day to day life, you might need to see a doctor. Trouble sleeping and nightmares are also two symptoms of PTSD.

• Nightmares and PTSD: Explains what nightmares are, how common they are, and how they are related to PTSD.
• Sleep and PTSD: Learn why people with PTSD may have trouble sleeping and what they can do about it.

Sleep Tips

Learn ways to cope with trauma-related dreams and sleep problems:

• Coping with Traumatic Stress Reactions (En Español): Tips for coping with PTSD symptoms including trauma-related dreams and difficulty falling or staying asleep.
• PTSD Coach Online: Use these tools to help you relax, form good sleep habits, and change how you think about sleep. Also see the Mobile App!
• CBT-i Coach (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia) Mobile App: This free mobile app can help you during treatment and includes sleep tips.

Listen to therapists' answers on treatment for sleep problems and PTSD:

	Can therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder help with my nightmares and sleep problems? Watch video
	I'm on medication to help me relax and sleep. Will this medication help my PTSD? Watch video

Caution on Sleep Medications

Using sleep and anti-anxiety medications like "benzos" (benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam, lorazepam, etc.) can create problems.

These medications might help in the short term, but like alcohol and drugs, can have long term costs, such as serious addiction problems, misuse, and medical issues. Importantly, benzos and other medications used for sleep may limit the effectiveness of PTSD treatments that can help.

New Website Design

Check out the newly designed PTSD website, www.ptsd.va.gov, with expanded left navigation. We would like your feedback! Email ncptsd@va.gov.

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For Providers

Help your clients with sleep problems. Learn about effective treatments and tools for PTSD-related sleep symptoms, including nightmares and insomnia.

Course: Sleep Problems, Insomnia, and PTSD

This online course reviews the clinical practice guideline recommendations for treating sleep problems, insomnia, and PTSD.

Nightmares and PTSD: Research Review

Provides information on prevalence and characteristics of posttraumatic nightmares, cultural issues, and effective treatments.

CBT-i Coach: If using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia, try using this mobile app together with your patients.

The Role of Benzodiazepines in the Treatment of PTSD (PDF). Recommends using evidence-based psychotherapies and medications safer than "benzos" to treat PTSD.

Making it Easier to Earn Free Continuing Education Credits

Check out the revised PTSD Continuing Education Section. Now you can filter to find courses right for you.

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For VA Providers

VA Monthly Lecture Series

Subscribe: Learn about our PTSD Lectures

VA staff, please sign up for VA Staff PTSD Updates to receive monthly notices that include a registration link and instructions for joining these live lectures:

VA PTSD Consultation Program Lecture Series

New in 2014: Save the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 2 pm ET for the VA PTSD Consultation Program Lecture Series!

Below are the last two lectures for 2013.

• 2 pm ET: 12/17 - Erin Andrews and Elizabeth Twamley on PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
• 2 pm ET: 12/18 - Matthew Friedman on Key Questions and Future Directions in PTSD Research and Practice: PTSD Beyond DSM-5

VA PTSD Consultation Program

Free PTSD consultation for anyone working with Veterans. Call 866-948-7880 or email ptsdconsult@va.gov.

PCL-5 and DSM-5

VA staff, please visit vaww.ptsd.va.gov (under Assessment) to find information on the use of this updated measure.

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Research at the Center

Benefits of Cognitive Processing Therapy Studied

Center researchers are conducting a study with Active Duty Service members to determine if certain individuals would benefit from a longer or shorter dose of Cognitive Processing Therapy (4-24 sessions). Outcomes assessed include mental and physical health, functioning, and sleep.

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PTSD in the News

Veterans and the Impact of Boston Marathon Bombing. The Boston Globe reports on a study that illustrates how traumatic events close to home can affect Veterans. Read more.*

Intimate Partner Violence among Veterans and Active Duty Service Members. A Systematic Review. Also read about a study* that casts light on providers addressing domestic violence among female US Veterans.

PTSD Prolonged Exposure vs. Cognitive Processing Therapy. Inside Veterans Health covers a major comparative study of two leading PTSD treatments. Read the story.

PTSD Coach Online. New Tool for Managing PTSD: Watch the Center's Cybele Merrick explain PTSD Coach Online. View video.*

Be sure to forward this update to others so they can subscribe. We send only one update per month to keep you informed of the latest PTSD developments.

Feature Topic next month: PTSD - Advances in 2013

The Staff of VA’s National Center for PTSD

May you and your loved ones find peace and joy during the holiday season.

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