Sleep deprivation has been found to have negative effects on mental health, including an increase in anxiety, depression, and irritability. It also impacts physical health, such as increased risk for cardiovascular disease and obesity. Recently, researchers have begun investigating how sleep disruption can affect trauma symptomatology. In particular, it is important to understand how sleep loss exacerbates trauma symptoms that interfere with sexual and emotional closeness, which may further contribute to psychological distress.
Traumatic experiences are defined as intense, life-threatening events that cause severe stress responses, including hyperarousal, intrusive memories, avoidance behaviors, negative alterations in mood and cognition, and diminished interest in activities. These symptoms can be experienced immediately after the event or persist long term. Trauma survivors often experience difficulty forming close relationships due to feelings of shame, guilt, fear, and anger related to their experiences.
Many trauma survivors report difficulties with intimacy, sexual arousal, desire, and satisfaction, which could be attributed to changes in hormone levels caused by chronic stress (Bergmann et al., 2018).
Research suggests that sleep loss increases vulnerability to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and compromises coping mechanisms (Abrahamson & Smith, 2014; Fukunishi et al., 2019; Hajak et al., 2013). Specifically, sleep deprivation has been found to increase PTSD symptoms such as reexperiencing, avoidance, and hyperarousal (Fukunishi et al., 2019). Sleep loss also impairs cognitive functioning, making it more difficult for individuals to process information effectively, regulate emotions, and make decisions (Hajak et al., 2013). These effects may contribute to the development or exacerbation of symptoms interfering with sexual and emotional closeness.
Sleep loss may lead to increased irritability and emotional dysregulation, making individuals more prone to conflict and relationship problems (Benedetti et al., 2019). This can further diminish sexual and emotional intimacy and trust within a relationship (Kruger & Moffitt, 2015). Sleep loss may also affect sexual arousal and pleasure by altering hormone levels and increasing inflammation, both of which are associated with trauma-related distress and decreased sexual functioning (Almeida et al., 2017; Bremner et al., 2008).
Reduced self-esteem and body image issues often accompany trauma experiences, which could be worsened by lack of sleep and contribute to negative attitudes towards sex and relationships (Davis et al., 2014).
Research indicates that sleep disruption contributes to the development and maintenance of trauma symptomatology, including those that directly impact sexual and emotional closeness. By understanding this link, clinicians can better support their clients' recovery and help them develop healthy coping strategies.
Promoting good sleep habits in survivors of traumatic events may reduce psychological distress and improve overall wellbeing.
How does sleep loss exacerbate trauma symptoms that directly interfere with sexual and emotional closeness?
People who experience posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often have difficulties falling asleep due to hyperarousal of the nervous system after trauma exposure. This leads to decreased total sleep time and lower sleep quality, which can be associated with increased negative affect, irritability, and impulsivity, all of which further exacerbates PTSD symptoms.