Prevalence and Predictors of Sleep and Trauma Symptoms in Wildfire Survivors

Differences in Anxiety, Insomnia, and Trauma Symptoms in Wildfire Survivors from Australia, Canada, and the United States of America

“…Studies conducted in the field of wildfires and the impact they have on peoples' mental health have been consistent in demonstrating elevated rates of multiple mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, sleep difficulties, and PTSD, in the aftermath of wildfires [13,[15][16][17][18]21]. In comparing the three countries' anxiety symptoms, significant differences among Australia, Canada, and the USA were found.…”

“…Numerous studies suggest that the magnitude of suffering for survivors is associated with geographic proximity to wildfires and the extent and number of losses incurred during the fires [12][13][14][15]. The level of suffering is not only limited to financial losses but also to the negative impact that wildfires impose on the physical and mental wellbeing of survivors.…”

“…The level of suffering is not only limited to financial losses but also to the negative impact that wildfires impose on the physical and mental wellbeing of survivors. Following the trauma of wildfires, many wildfire survivors report elevated levels of anxiety, depression, stress, sleep difficulties, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms [12,13]. In a comprehensive review of 63 studies that examined the impact of wildfires on mental health, To et al [16] found that the rates of PTSD ranged between 29% and 60% at 3 months, 12.8% to 26% at 6 months, and 15.6% to 7.6% at 3-10 years following the trauma of wildfires; high rates of depression were also reported following the fires, with percentages ranging between 25.5% and 33% at 3 months, 10.4% and 17.1% at 6 months, and approximately 10% at 10 years following the disaster.…”

“…Symptoms of insomnia and nightmares were also found to be some of the most prevalent mental health conditions reported by survivors following the trauma of wildfires. For example, the incidence of insomnia was found to range between 28.5% and 77.9%, and the incidence of nightmares ranged between 33.3% and 49.2% following the disaster [13][14][15]17,18].…”

The investigation of sleep patterns in relation to interpersonal violence victimization and mental health in adolescent girls.

“…In this context, universal prevention campaigns are warranted to reduce interpersonal violence and foster positive relationships within families, but also within communities. For girls suffering from sleep problems following a traumatic event, it may be relevant to combine elements of sleep-focused and trauma-focused interventions (e.g., Cognitive-behavioral therapy for Insomnia) into treatment planning (Isaac et al, 2022). Such interventions could foster the resilience of youth given that good sleep is related to emotion regulation and adaptive functioning.…”