Combating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Nurses by Improving Sleep

Abstract

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a growing health concern due to its grave impact on nurses' health and patient safety. Nursing inherently carries the risk of developing PTSD. This risk is exacerbated by shift work and resultant sleep disturbances. In recent years, much has been discovered regarding the benefits of REM sleep and its important role in reducing the intensity of PTSD symptoms. This article describes how nurses can prevent and improve the symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder through interventions to optimize sleep. Interventions to reduce PTSD symptoms in nurses struggling with shift work related sleep disturbances are provided. By improving sleep, nurses can reduce not only the symptoms of PTSD, but also the risk of developing the disorder.