Differences in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep abnormalities between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depressive disorder patients: REM interruption correlated with nightmare complaints in PTSD

REM sleep abnormalities are different between PTSD and MDD. Increased REM interruption may be a biological marker correlated with nightmare complaints in PTSD patients. Treatments including pharmacotherapy that reduces REM interruption might ameliorate nightmares in PTSD.