Research aim: To investigate the occurrence of sleep disturbances and sleep pathologies in refugees diagnosed with PTSD, compared to healthy controls (HCs). It focuses on subjective sleep quality, sleep architecture, and the prevalence of sleep disorders.

Design: Case-control study

Population: The study includes 20 trauma-affected refugees diagnosed with PTSD, as well as 20 healthy non-refugee controls matched for age, sex, and body mass index (BMI).

Methods: Participants completed self-report questionnaires assessing sleep quality, insomnia, and nightmares. A one-night PSG was performed to measure sleep architecture and identify sleep disorders, including REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) and sleep apnoea. Data were analyzed using statistical comparisons between the PTSD group and the controls.

Primary investigator: Mia Beicher Ansbjerg, MD

Supervisors: Hinuga Sandahl, MD, PhD, Poul Jennum, MD, PhD, Lone Baandrup, MD, PhD, Jessica Carlsson, MD, PhD

Publications

Ansbjerg, M. B., Sandahl, H., Baandrup, L., Jennum, P., & Carlsson, J. (2023). Sleep impairments in refugees diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder: a polysomnographic and self-report study. European journal of psychotraumatology, 14(1), 2185943.