Trauma-related sleep disturbance and self-reported physical health symptoms in treatment-seeking female rape victims

The purpose of the study was to assess the relationship between trauma-rela ted sleep disturbance and physical health symptoms in treatment-seeking fem ale rape victims. A total of 167 participants were assessed for PTSD sympto ms, depression, sleep disturbance, and frequency of self-reported health sy mptoms. Results demonstrated that trauma-related sleep disturbance predicte d unique variance in physical health symptoms after other PTSD and depressi on symptoms were controlled. The findings suggest that trauma-related sleep disturbance is one potential factor contributing to physical health sympto ms in rape victims with PTSD.