Study: Sleep deprivation can help people with PTSD

Researchers from the National Institute of Neuroscience in Japan found that depriving an individual of sleep after a disturbing experience can help against post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by delaying the formulation of memories associated with fear.

The study showed video clips of safe driving and unexpected vehicle accidents to individuals. Half of the participants were deprived of sleep while others were allowed a full night’s rest. Researchers found that those who went without sleep were free from the fear-associated memories that affect people with PTSD.

Sufferers of PTSD often experience flashbacks, feeling emotionally numb, depression and being easily startled. Furthermore, people with the condition sometimes do not show symptoms for weeks or even months after the disturbing event. This disorder is most often found in military service members and young children.

These findings suggest that sleep deprivation may be a possible therapy for people who suffer a traumatic experience.
However, an editor of Biological Psychiatry, the journal in which the study is published, says more research is needed before the treatment can be prescribed.