Neuropsychopharmacology : official publication of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology
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Neuropsychopharmacology · Jun 2005
Clinical TrialHypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity and sleep in posttraumatic stress disorder.
Alterations of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and sleep disturbances have been described separately in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is not known if HPA alterations and sleep disturbances are associated in PTSD. This study examined sleep and HPA activity in 20 male medication-free subjects with PTSD and 16 matched healthy controls. ⋯ Our results suggest that increased cortisol is negatively associated with delta sleep. This may contribute to sleep abnormalities in conditions associated with elevated cortisol, possibly including PTSD. Future studies should explore the temporal relationship between HPA activity, sleep disturbances, and psychopathology after a traumatic event.