PhD Study : Understanding the mechanisms underpinning the relationship between problematic sleep and posttraumatic stress disorder

Summary

The relationship between traumatic experiences and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been well documented in the literature. In recent years, studies have been focusing on the relationship between traumatic exposure and subsequent sleep problems and the role of sleep and sleep disorders in PTSD. For example, in a recent study utilizing a sample of 214 male Australian Vietnam veterans, Baird et al. (2018) found that those with PTSD reported a greater number of sleep-related problems compared to those without PTSD. Research has also shown that although sleep problems are not always resolved following PTSD treatment, PTSD symptoms are often reduced after sleep interventions (Koffel, Khawaja, & Germain, 2016). For example, Tamanna et al. (2014) reported that in a sample of 69 US veterans with a diagnosis of PTSD and obstructive sleep apnea, a sleep intervention improved not just the sleep-related symptoms, but also symptoms of PTSD. Existing research on the mechanisms underlying the relationship between trauma, sleep and PTSD is limited.

The aim of this PhD is to further investigate the relationship between trauma, PTSD and sleep using both primary data collection methods and secondary data analysis.

The study objectives will be to 1) Collect and identify appropriate data for analyses, and 2) determine the psychosocial mechanisms underlying the associations between key variables such as trauma, problematic sleep and PTSD. There will be several empirical studies involving quantitative statistical analysis. The study will seek to identify the specific pathways connecting trauma, PTSD and sleep problems, thus contributing to the literature on the mechanisms underlying these relationships. Network analysis and structural equation modelling will be employed. If appropriate data sources are collected and/ or available via secondary data sources, the investigation will be conducted both cross-sectionally and longitudinally.

This investigation will build the knowledge base on the mechanisms underlying the relationship between trauma, sleep and PTSD and will therefore be informative for the development of interventions and treatments aimed at alleviating both problematic sleep and PTSD.

Baird, T., McLeay, S., Harvey, W., Theal, R., Law, D., O’Sullivan, R, & PTSD Initiative. Sleep disturbances in Australian Vietnam veterans with and without posttraumatic stress disorder. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, 14(5), 745-752.

Koffel, E., Khawaja, I. S., & Germain, A. (2016). Sleep disturbances in posttraumatic stress disorder: Updated review and implications for treatment. Psychiatric Annals, 46(3), 173-176.

Tamanna, S., Parker, J. D., Lyons, J., & Ullah, M. I. (2014). The effect of continuous positive air pressure (CPAP) on nightmares in patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, 10(6), 631-636.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• Masters at 65%
• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• Institute of Mental Health Sciences

The University offers the following levels of support:

Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS)

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

• Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
• Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
• Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living