Sleep, Nightmares and Schizophrenia

Abstract

Sleep problems are recognized as widespread in patients with psychosis. Other facts are known as well -that not only can psychiatric illness result in sleep problems, but that these same problems can exacerbate psychopathology and that they constitute risk factors for suicide. Sleep difficulties are known to respond well to appropriate treatment and yet, with the exception of insomnia, sleep quality is not routinely inquired about during psychiatric assessments. This narrative review focuses on nightmares in the context of schizophrenia and the results suggest that they are both common and distressing. They are also potentially dangerous. The alleviation of nightmares can improve the quality of life for persons suffering from schizophrenia and can lower the risk of suicide.

Sleep Disturbances in Patients with Persistent Delusions: Prevalence, Clinical Associations, and Therapeutic Strategies

“…Reeve et al [ 44 ] found the prevalence in early schizophrenia to be very high (48.3%), with no association to antipsychotic medication. It has been suggested that nightmares in schizophrenia are a continuation into sleep of frightening daytime delusions [ 58 ]. This raises the hope that, if nightmares were cured, daytime delusions would also abate [ 59 ].…”

Troubles psychotiques et troubles du sommeil : revue de la littérature

“…L'American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommande comme traitement le prazosin (un antagoniste des récepteurs adrénergiques alpha 1), mais également la TCC-i. Les traitements psychologiques des cauchemars semblent agir par l'augmentation du sentiment de contrôle, une diminution de la peur, la restauration du sommeil et la restructuration de croyances inappropriées (Seeman, 2017). La thérapie cognitivo-comportementale des cauchemars pour la population schizophrène est une avenue prometteuse de traitement (Sheaves et coll., 2019).…”