This approach is differentiated by its targeted focus on symptomatology unique to PTSD, filling a gap left by generic sleep questionnaires. By leveraging the PSQI’s widely recognized structure, it ensures comparability across studies while adding precision in assessing trauma-specific phenomena. Its copyright-protected status facilitates controlled distribution and licensing, and its seamless integration into standard scoring practices reduces implementation barriers, enabling more accurate identification and tracking of PTSD-related sleep impairments.
Description
This addendum to the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) introduces a series of self-report items specifically designed to capture the nuances of PTSD-related sleep disturbances. Building on the PSQI’s established seven-component framework and Likert-type scales, it measures the frequency and severity of trauma-related nightmares, nocturnal flashbacks, hypervigilance-induced awakenings, and altered REM sleep patterns. Each new item can be scored alongside the standard components to produce both domain-level ratings and an overall sleep-quality index. The tool is suitable for self-administration or clinician-led use in both research and clinical settings, and its defined scoring algorithm integrates seamlessly into existing PSQI protocols.
Applications
PTSD clinical sleep assessment
Telehealth sleep monitoring tool
Digital insomnia treatment apps
Pharmaceutical trial sleep assessment
Employee wellness screening programs
Advantages
Captures PTSD-specific sleep disturbances such as trauma-related nightmares, flashbacks, and hypervigilance awakenings
Seamlessly integrates new items into the existing PSQI scoring protocol for consistency
Generates both domain-level ratings and an overall sleep quality index for detailed assessment
Uses standardized Likert-type scales for straightforward self-administration or clinician-led use
Enhances sensitivity in research and clinical settings to track PTSD-related sleep changes
Facilitates quantifiable monitoring of treatment effects on PTSD-related insomnia
IP Status
Copyright
