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Understanding excessive sleep in people with psychotic disorders
Kate Robbins1,2, Joanne Hodgekins1, Sarah Reeve1,2
1Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK.
The British Journal of Clinical Psychology
|April 2, 2025
Summary
Excessive sleep in psychosis, often overlooked, significantly impacts daily life and recovery. This study highlights the need for better recognition and treatment of hypersomnia in psychotic disorders.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Sleep Medicine
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- While insomnia in psychosis is studied, excessive sleep is a neglected but common issue.
- Excessive sleep in psychosis may be linked to sedating antipsychotic medications.
- This sleep disturbance can plausibly affect symptoms, functioning, and overall well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the lived experience of excessive sleep duration and sleepiness (hypersomnia) in individuals with psychotic disorders.
- Investigate the impacts, contributing factors, and treatment role of hypersomnia.
- Understand patient perspectives on managing this sleep disturbance.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative study involving ten patients diagnosed with psychotic disorders.
- Semi-structured interviews conducted online.
- Thematic analysis used to interpret interview data.
Main Results:
- Five key themes emerged: "The Exhausting Everyday," "Medication is the story?", "Indescribable Tiredness," "Overruled by Sleep," and "An Unfair Fight."
- Excessive sleep limits daily activities, social engagement, and recovery.
- Factors contributing to excessive sleep include medication side effects, emotional avoidance, and inactivity.
- Patients struggle to communicate the severity of their sleepiness to healthcare providers.
Conclusions:
- Excessive sleep is a significant and problematic symptom in individuals with psychosis.
- Further research is crucial for improved recognition and assessment of excessive sleep.
- Developing effective treatments is essential to mitigate the impact of hypersomnia on recovery.
Keywords:
antipsychotic medicationexcessive daytime sleepinessextended sleep durationfunctioninghypersomniapsychotic disorderssedationMore Related Videos
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