Schizophrenia and Sleep: How to Address Common Sleep Issues

Did you know that up to 80% of individuals with schizophrenia and sleep disorders experience sleep disturbances, significantly impacting their quality of life? Approximately 50% of individuals with schizophrenia sleep disorders report clinically significant levels of insomnia. Sleepwalking schizophrenia, as well as schizophrenia and sleep talking, are common sleep disturbances that can further complicate the challenges faced by individuals with this mental illness, making it even more crucial to address their sleep needs.

Understanding and addressing sleep issues in individuals with schizophrenia is vital for overall well-being. A mental illness called schizophrenia is typified by delusions, hallucinations, and extremely disordered thought patterns. Poor sleep can exacerbate symptoms and negatively impact daily functioning, making it essential to find practical solutions. 

Everyone needs a proper sleep at night, but sleeping during the night is far less easy for people having schizophrenia. This blog covers why schizophrenia is associated with disorders of sleep and explains further how to handle those challenges and sleep problems for proper being. 

The Link Between Schizophrenia and Sleep Disorders 

Poor sleep quality is associated with diminished quality of life, more significant positive symptoms, and impaired cognitive functions. Studies indicate that 30-50% of individuals with schizophrenia sleep patterns issues, which may suffer from obstructive sleep apnea. 

According to research, most people with schizophrenia and sleep disorders experience some form of sleep disorder, such as schizophrenia and insomnia or excessive daytime sleepiness. These may have a profound impact on their quality of life and in some cases, occur before the psychotic symptoms manifest. 

Sleepwalking schizophrenia, along with schizophrenia and sleep talking, are additional sleep-related challenges that can intensify the mental and physical strain individuals experience, further complicating their overall well-being.

The interplay between schizophrenia and sleep disorders is complex, with factors such as medication side effects and mental health symptoms contributing to the problem.  

According to the research, lack of sleep and schizophrenia are deeply connected. The most common complaints in 30-80% of cases with schizophrenia and worsen symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions. Suppose one of the major complaints of an individual is insomnia, contributing to the onset of psychotic symptoms, so health-care professionals must address it. 

Sleep Disorders Common in Schizophrenia 

Disruptions in circadian rhythms are common and occur in 30-80% of individuals depending on the severity of psychotic symptoms. Individuals with schizophrenia sleep patterns may have a variety of sleep disorders, such as: 

Insomnia 

Schizophrenia and insomnia frequently co-occur and raise anxiety and discomfort levels. Most people cannot restore their sleep because of poor sleep hygiene and thoughts that exacerbate the issue. 

Obstructive sleep apnea 

Obstructive sleep apnea is another common problem associated with individuals with schizophrenia. Sleep deprivation can worsen schizophrenia due to obstructive sleep apnea. It is an obstruction in breathing during sleeping, characterised by pauses in breathing. This obstructs proper rest and causes drowsiness upon waking. In turn, excessive sleepiness makes mental health disorders more challenging to manage. 

Restless leg syndrome 

Schizophrenia sleep disorders like Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is common amongst people diagnosed with schizophrenia. It causes an uncomfortable sensation in the legs, hindering the ability to achieve quality sleep and exacerbating overall complications when managing symptoms related to schizophrenia. 

Circadian rhythm disorders 

Schizophrenia sleep patterns, like Circadian rhythm disorders are common in schizophrenic individuals, which include irregularities in sleep resulting in difficulty maintaining a specific sleep pattern that can become detrimental to health. 

Narcolepsy 

Schizophrenia REM sleep is disrupted in some individuals with a less frequent form, which can be encountered among individuals with schizophrenia. Narcolepsy is characterised by involuntary and brief sleep episodes within a day, which hinders most of the daily responsibilities. 

Night-eating syndrome 

 At night, most individuals start eating large amounts of food which interferes with regular slumber. As with night-eating syndrome, those treating schizophrenia may be especially concerned about this condition. 

Sleepwalking schizophrenia and schizophrenia and sleep talking are additional sleep-related behaviors that can further disrupt rest, contributing to the overall sleep difficulties faced by individuals with the disorder.

Causes of Sleep Issues in Schizophrenia 

There are several reasons why sleep disorders occur in individuals with schizophrenia and sleep issues. Some antipsychotic drugs cause insomnia, while others cause excessive sedation. Mental health symptoms of anxiety, depression, and psychosis can significantly impair sleep. Sleep paralysis and schizophrenia can be connected, with paralysis episodes worsening anxiety and distress in those with the condition.

Medication and Its Impact on Sleep 

Antipsychotics play a dual role in the management of schizophrenia symptoms and impact the quality of sleep. Sleep may be improved with certain medications, but these will also cause side effects, including increased restlessness or sedation. It is essential to balance out the treatment for effective results. 

Mental Health Symptoms and Sleep Disturbance 

Mental health symptoms like schizophrenia sleep disorders often make sleep problems worse and frequently exacerbate sleep disorders. Anxiety and depression induce nocturnal rumination, so individuals sleep less or find it hard to fall asleep. Sleep paralysis and schizophrenia can intersect, with sleep paralysis episodes adding to the distress and sleep difficulties already caused by the disorder.

Recognising Signs of Sleep Disorders and their Effects 

The only way to manage effectively is by identifying signs of sleep disorders. Some of the common signs of a sleep disorder are:  

• Sleeping too much or too little 

• Daytime drowsiness 

• Mood swings or irritable behaviour 

• Difficulty concentrating and forgetfulness 

• Restlessness or agitation 

Diagnosing sleep disorders with schizophrenia 

Sleep disorder diagnosis with schizophrenia requires the following steps: 

• Individual history: Collection of information about sleeping habits and disturbances. 

• Sleep studies: Polysomnography is used to record various physiological activities during sleep. 

• Assessment tools: Actigraphy by use of questionnaires in assessment of impact of sleep problems on functioning. 

• Psychiatric examination: Determines mental illness-related sleep disturbances. 

• Self-reported sleep diary: Gives an idea of sleep patterns. 

Sleep paralysis and schizophrenia may be identified through these assessments, as episodes of sleep paralysis can provide valuable insights into the sleep disturbances linked to the disorder.

Risks of Sleep Disturbances in Schizophrenia 

Several risks are associated with sleep disturbances in individuals with schizophrenia:  

•  Increased severity of symptoms: Poor quality of sleep exacerbates psychotic symptoms. 

• Cognitive decline: Sleep deprivation schizophrenia impacts memory and decision-making. Sleep deprivation leads to cognitive decline.  

• Metabolic disorders: Sleep disturbance increases the risk of diabetes.  

• Social withdrawal: Difficulty engaging socially due to fatigue or mood changes. 

How Sleep Deprivation Aggravates Schizophrenia Symptoms 

People with schizophrenia are significantly impacted by several of the symptoms of sleep deprivation or sleep deprivation schizophrenia, including:  

Cognitive Decline and Sleep Deprivation 

The lack of sleep and schizophrenia are linked, which further makes it harder to memorise, pay attention, and make decisions, thus affecting an individual's ability to manage a situation. 

Psychosis Relapses 

Lack of sleep can cause psychotic symptoms to reoccur, which would make the person more distressed. 

The Role of REM Sleep in Schizophrenia 

Schizophrenia REM sleep (Rapid Eye Movement) is also essential for emotional regulation. The disruption of REM sleep could exacerbate emotional instability common in schizophrenia. Lack of sleep and schizophrenia is linked to increased paranoia and hallucinations. Schizophrenia REM sleep plays a crucial role in maintaining mental balance, and disturbances in this phase can significantly worsen symptoms like anxiety and delusions.

Impact of Insomnia on Schizophrenia Symptoms 

Chronic insomnia can lead to a vicious cycle in which poor sleep worsens symptoms and makes it harder to obtain restorative sleep, which compounds mental health issues. 

Tips for Managing Sleep Issues in Schizophrenia 

To help alleviate common sleep disturbances associated with schizophrenia, these interventions can be initiated: 

•  Keep regular sleep patterns by having the same time for bed and rising each day. 

• Develop a relaxing bedtime routine to start winding down at night. 

• Reduce exposure to screens close to bedtime to reduce interference from blue light. 

Sleep Hygiene and Environmental Adjustments 

Changing your sleeping environment dramatically improves your ability to sleep better. 

Make sure your bedroom is quiet, dark, and serene to promote restful sleep. Select cosy bedding that encourages unwinding and facilitates a good night's sleep. 

Medications and Natural Supplements 

The general quality of sleep may be improved without exacerbating symptoms by speaking with medical professionals about suitable drugs or natural supplements. 

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) 

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is also effective in treating schizophrenia and insomnia among persons with schizophrenia. This therapy mainly involves thought and behaviour changes tied to sleeping habits. 

How to Help Someone with Schizophrenia Sleep Better 

If you are wondering “how to help someone with schizophrenia sleep”, supporting their sleep habits is crucial. The caregiver should be aware of what an individual with schizophrenia goes through regarding sleep issues. We assist a person in maintaining healthy habits, help him prepare a comfortable environment, and encourage him to discuss all his experiences candidly. 

Seeking Professional Help for Sleep Disorders in Schizophrenia 

 Health-care professionals can provide specialised treatment plans that address both mental health issues and sleeping concerns. Professional help must be sought if sleeping troubles persist even after self-management attempts. 

Holistic Approaches to Sleep and Schizophrenia at Cadabam's Hospitals 

Cadabam’s Hospitals offers holistic approaches to various therapies combined to help people who have schizophrenia to improve their lives mentally and also their sleep life. The methods include therapy sessions on coping mechanisms, lifestyle changes towards improved healthy living, and social groups that help encourage community involvement. Such interventions help individuals attend to mental health and work toward practical strategies for sleeping. 

Sleep disturbance management is the only approach that can affect the overall health and well-being of people who have schizophrenia. Thus, awareness of sleep disorders related to schizophrenia and common sleep disorders can help people achieve better mental health outcomes. 

If you are searching for a solution to your problem, Cadabam’s Hospitals can help you with its team of specialised experts. We have been helping thousands of people live healthier and happier lives for 30+ years. We leverage evidence-based approaches and holistic treatment methods to help individuals effectively manage their sleep disorders in schizophrenia. Get in touch with us today. You can call us at +91 97414 76476. You can even email us at info@cadabamshospitals.com.

FAQs 

Can sleep apnea cause schizophrenia? 

Sleep apnea has not been directly linked to causing schizophrenia. However, untreated sleep apnea can contribute to cognitive and mood disturbances, which may exacerbate symptoms in individuals predisposed to mental health disorders. If you have concerns, consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation. 

Do people with schizophrenia have sleep disorders? 

Yes, people with schizophrenia often suffer from sleep disorders, including insomnia, sleep apnea, and even disturbed sleep-wake cycles. Such sleep disorders tend to exacerbate the symptoms of schizophrenia, which explains why the issue of sleep health should be addressed within the general treatment plan. 

How many hours of sleep does a schizophrenic need? 

The quality of sleep for a person with schizophrenia is usually around 7-9 hours, just like the rest of the population. However, restful sleep might be difficult to achieve without a customised sleep management program due to symptoms or side effects from medication. 

What is the best sleep aid for schizophrenia? 

The best sleep aid for someone with schizophrenia depends on the person's needs and symptoms. Options range from lifestyle adjustments to cognitive-behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), or a psychiatrist might prescribe medications. Always consult a health-care provider before beginning any sleep aid.