PTSD was linked to more REM sleep behavior disorder
A systematic review found an association, especially among veterans, while combining reports of probable and confirmed REM sleep behavior disorder.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
People with PTSD had a higher reported prevalence of probable or confirmed REM sleep behavior disorder in the reviewed evidence, particularly among veterans. The review also linked this overlap with more severe psychological symptoms. These findings describe associations: they do not establish that PTSD causes the sleep disorder or that either condition necessarily predicts the other.
The abstract provides no pooled effect sizes or detailed diagnostic breakdown. Because it includes probable and confirmed cases, this abstract-based account cannot show how consistent the association was across diagnostic approaches or populations.
What the review examined
The review addressed the relationship between PTSD and REM sleep behavior disorder, including prevalence and diagnostic approaches. It considered studies assessing the sleep disorder in people with PTSD and also described comparisons among different parasomnias.
Associated psychological symptoms
People with isolated REM sleep behavior disorder appeared more likely to report PTSD than those with other parasomnias. The overlap was also associated with depressive symptoms, recurrent nightmares, and difficulty regulating emotions, without establishing a causal direction.
The original publication
Investigating the association between post-traumatic stress disorder and REM sleep behavior disorder: a systematic review.
Baldini V, Gnazzo M, Varallo G et al.
Sleep Med Rev · 2026
- PubMed ID
- 41616415
- Record checked
AI-assisted research and writing. This explains one selected publication; it is not a complete review of everything known. Our approach.
One more question, understood.
Keep track of the research you’ve explored.