New research indicates early intervention for nightmares might encourage trauma survivors to seek mental health support sooner. After experiencing a traumatic event, nightmares frequently occur, and providing telehealth-based sleep therapy during early recovery phases could boost patient participation in ongoing mental health treatment.
Early results from the RESTED clinical trial indicate high participation rates among trauma patients who received video-based therapy soon after a traumatic event. Over 76% of the trial’s participants started treatment, compared to roughly half of emergency department patients who subsequently attend outpatient mental health visits.
These initial results are significant because research is increasingly connecting nightmares following trauma to a higher risk of severe mental health issues, such as PTSD and suicidal thoughts. Dr. David Moore, who directs Trauma and Acute Care Surgical Psychology Services at Henry Ford Health, pointed out that connecting with patients in the days following an event provides an opportunity to treat symptoms early.
Dr. Moore stated that the findings are deeply encouraging because they show there is real interest in treatment for nightmares and that patients are willing to engage in care, especially when traditional barriers are removed. He added that connecting survivors with support early on can help prevent more serious mental health challenges from emerging.
The RESTED trial enrolls patients within 72 hours of a traumatic event and offers one of four interventions: cognitive behavioral therapy for nightmares, cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia, sleep education with nightmare education, or sleep education without nightmare education. All four interventions are delivered through telehealth video visits, which 100% of patients surveyed found “very easy” to attend.
Over 71% of patients stated that in-person sessions would have been difficult, while nearly 86% expressed a preference for video visits for future care. Dr. Anthony Reffi, the study’s principal investigator, remarked that meeting patients where they are and making care more accessible creates more opportunities for them to get the support they need.