Sleep disorders such as nightmares and insomnia are among the most frequently reported symptoms in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

To assess the prevalence of residual sleep disorders in military personnel with PTSD.

A cross-sectional study was conducted and included 25 military consultants meeting the criteria of DSM-5 for PTSD. Sleep disorders were assessed using the insomnia severity index (ISI).

The mean score of the ISI was 14. Fourteen percent of the participants (n = 21) reported difficulty falling asleep. All patients reported difficulties staying asleep. Nightmares were reported by 48% of the sample (n = 12). All patients were under hydroxyzine at dosages ranging from 25 to 50 mg per day. More than half of the sample (n = 18) was under a combination of benzodiazepine and hydroxyzine. Seventy-one percent of patients (n = 15) considered that their sleep difficulties significantly disrupted their daily lives.

Insomnia is one of the most frequent and persistent symptoms in PTSD patients. These sleep disorders can impede remission and may be due in part to co-morbid depression.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.