An exploration of sleep disturbance and symptoms in psychosis
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The relationship between sleep disturbance and psychosis: variables causing poor sleep in people who experience psychosis and the impact of sleep on psychotic symptoms.
IRAS ID
195485
Contact name
Hayley Lowe
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Manchester
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 7 months, 2 days
Research summary
All humans need to sleep. However, some people experience sleep disturbance which means that they find it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep. Sleep disturbance is a feature of many mental health problems. It can impact a person’s mood, their ability to think and their ability to get things done. \n\nMany people who experience psychosis (that is, people who may hear, see or believe things that others do not) report difficulties with sleep. Research studies have shown that up to 80% of these people meet clinical criteria for disturbed sleep. There is a lot of research that has shown that sleep disturbance can lead to poor clinical outcomes including worsening of symptoms, poor functioning and reduced quality of life. This suggests that sleep disturbance may be important in the treatment of psychosis. \n\nIn this study, the authors explore the variables causing poor sleep in people who experience psychosis (specifically worry and rumination, preoccupation with sleep, and social rhythms to the day i.e. planned activity and social interaction), as well as how poor sleep can impact on their psychotic symptoms. We will be asking people to complete some interviews and questionnaires. We will also be asking people to wear a watch for six or seven days. This will measure the quality of their sleep. The watch will also beep at five fixed time points throughout each day and will ask people to answer questions about their activities, thoughts and symptoms during that day. This method of research is known as Experience Sampling Methodology (ESM). It is hoped that this research will aid the development of treatments for people with psychosis and sleep problems.
REC name
North West - Haydock Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/NW/0172
Date of REC Opinion
22 Mar 2016
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion