D-SleePS
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring the experience of sleep disturbance, dissociation, and their influence on suicide-related experiences in people who experience non-affective psychosis.
IRAS ID
355244
Contact name
Adam O'Neill
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Manchester
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 10 months, 0 days
Research summary
This study explores how sleep disturbances, dissociation (a feeling of being disconnected from reality or oneself), and suicidal thoughts or behaviours are experienced and potentially connected in people with non-affective psychosis.
Psychosis is associated with a high risk of suicide, and people diagnosed with schizophrenia are especially vulnerable, with about half attempting suicide at some point in their life. Sleep disturbances are also extremely common in this population, affecting up to 80% of individuals, and are known to worsen psychosis, depression, and suicidal tendencies. Individuals often report that ongoing sleep problems lead to a sense of dissociation from themselves and the world. Dissociation, in turn, is linked to both psychotic symptoms and suicidal thoughts or behaviours.
Whilst research has shown links between each of these things (sleep, dissociation, and suicide experiences), the full relationship has not been explored in detail. This research aims to fill that gap and provide insights that can support the development of future suicide prevention strategies tailored for people with psychosis.
To explore this area, researchers will conduct in-depth interviews with individuals who have experienced psychosis and suicidal thoughts or behaviours. Questions will focus on five main areas: sleep patterns and difficulties, dissociative experiences, suicidal thoughts and behaviours, how these three experiences may be connected, and what coping strategies or support have been helpful. Participants will also provide demographic information and complete short questionnaires to describe their sleep habits and dissociative symptoms. The data will be analysed using a method called thematic analysis, which involves identifying patterns and themes across responses.
The findings will contribute to a planned follow-up study and may help inform the development of psychological treatments, staff training, and practical tools aimed at improving safety and care for people with psychosis.REC name
East of Scotland Research Ethics Service REC 1
REC reference
25/ES/0074
Date of REC Opinion
17 Sep 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion