Sleep Disturbance, Disability, and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Utility Workers

Objective The objective of the present study was to examine the associations between sleep disturbance, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and functional disability in a population exposed to a singular traumatic event. Method The participants were a population of 2,453 predominantly male utility workers who were deployed to the World Trade Center site in the aftermath of the 9/11 attack. They underwent psychiatric screenings comprising measures of sleep disturbance, PTSD, and functional disability. Results Analyses indicated that (a) rates of sleep disturbances were significantly higher among participants diagnosed with PTSD than those without, (b) PTSD severity was significantly associated with sleep disturbance, and (c) sleep disturbance moderated the relationship between PTSD and disability. Conclusion Sleep disturbance is associated with occupational, social functioning, and PTSD severity, suggesting that ameliorating sleep may lead to increased occupational and social functioning, as well as better treatment responses in PTSD.