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Session Schedule

Find a specific presentation in the course by navigating to the timestamp indicated below.

0:00:00
Introduction

0:02:10
Associations of sleep quality with war-related anxiety, childhood stressors, and war-related stressors during the Israel-Hamas war
Tamar Shochat (Israel)

0:15:50
Tired of war: Changes in the sleep of the Israeli civilian population in the wake of the Israel-Hamas war.
Alex Gileles-Hillel (Israel)

0:44:20
Circadian instability predicts PTSD symptom severity following mass trauma
Roee Admon (Israel)

1:07:15
Safe sleep for children in unsafe conditions
Angelica Schlarb (Germany)

1:22:10
Question and answer

Summary

War and its ensuing traumatic experiences profoundly influence various aspects of life for those exposed to it, yet its specific impact on sleep remains relatively underexplored. While substantial research has examined the mental toll of war on civilians, the intersection between trauma and sleep disturbances in the context of war has received much less attention. Exposure to war and conflict often leads to sleep disturbances, while poor sleep quality and disrupted circadian rhythms may in turn exacerbate trauma-related symptoms, increasing vulnerability to psychopathology and hindering recovery. This dual perspective provides a holistic framework for understanding the complex interplay between trauma exposure and sleep quality in populations affected by war.
The symposium features five interconnected topics. The first explores how childhood stressors and war-related anxiety contribute to deteriorating sleep quality during wartime, identifying complex mediating mechanisms and long-term vulnerabilities. The second examines large-scale data on the Israeli civilian population, highlighting significant increases in insomnia and persistent sleep impairments during the prolonged Israel-Hamas war. The third presents neuroimaging evidence that sheds light on how sleep disruptions hinder extinction learning and heighten vulnerability to PTSD, emphasizing the neurobiological underpinnings of trauma-related sleep issues. The fourth discusses findings from survivors of mass trauma, illustrating how circadian instability predicts PTSD severity, and presenting actionable insights into early markers and intervention targets. The final topic focuses on children in unsafe conditions, providing practical recommendations for ensuring safe and restorative sleep for this highly vulnerable population.

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of this CME activity, participants will be able to:
• Advance the understanding of the interaction between trauma and sleep, focusing on the consequences of disrupted sleep during wartime and its impact on mental health outcomes
• Foster dialogue on innovative interventions and policy strategies, aiming to improve care and resilience for trauma-exposed populations