PsyPost explores the Journal of Traumatic Stress’ new publication of peer-reviewed research into the potential benefits of MDMA-assisted therapy in treating sleep disturbance in individuals with PTSD. Through conducting an analysis of data collected from four randomized, double-blind Phase 2 trials, lead author Linnae Ponte and co-authors from MAPS Public Benefit Corporation (MAPS PBC) discovered that participants in the active-dose MDMA group reported significantly improved scores on measures of both sleep and PTSD symptoms compared to control participants.Â
At the 12-month follow-up, these improvements endured, suggesting that MDMA-assisted therapy may be particularly suited for promoting sleep regulation in patients with PTSD. “Changes in sleep are a sign that other effects of MDMA-assisted therapy, such as coming to terms with emotionally charged memories or thoughts, or feeling more compassionate toward yourself, can and will change processes such as sleep,” explains study co-author Ilsa Jerome, Ph.D., of MAPS PBC.
