Dr. Noa Magal, Ms. Ophir Nezer, Ms. Nitsan Sagi, Ms. Noga Mendelblit, Ms. Michal Oren, Mr. Eden Eldar, Prof. Roy Salomon, Prof. Roee Admon
This large-scale study examined how changes in sleep patterns and circadian rhythm of the heart over time might predict PTSD in individuals who survived the Supernova festival mass terror attack. The study followed a large group of survivors during the first year after the attack, recording their daily physiological activity and sleep patterns using wearable devices to predict future PTSD status. The results revealed high and persistent rates of PTSD. Survivors with PTSD exhibited more irregular sleep schedules and circadian disruptions in heart rate, compared to those without PTSD or to controls. Overall, this study demonstrates that circadian instability during the first six months following trauma serves as an unobtrusive marker for future PTSD. Maintaining stable behavioral and physiological circadian rhythms is crucial for mitigating PTSD symptoms, highlighting potential opportunities for monitoring and intervention in trauma-exposed populations
