Psychotic-like experiences, sleep problems, and loneliness: A population-based study

Research indicates that psychotic-like experiences (PLEs) are associated with sleep problems, which in turn may contribute to negative outcomes in individuals with PLEs. This study examined the association between sleep problems and PLEs in the Japanese general population, and whether sleep problems are linked to loneliness among individuals with PLEs. Data were analyzed from 3717 adults aged 18 and above who participated in an online survey in 2023. PLEs were assessed with the PRIME Screen-Revised (PS-R), while a single-item self-report measure was used to assess the intensity of sleep problems. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the associations. In an analysis that was adjusted for sociodemographic, physical, and mental health variables, compared to those with no sleep problems, only individuals who reported extreme sleep problems had significantly higher odds of PLEs (OR: 2.93, 95 %CI: 1.38-6.23). An analysis examining the role of sleep problems in the association between PLEs and loneliness showed that PLEs were significantly associated with loneliness only when accompanied by extreme sleep problems (OR: 4.45, 95 % CI: 1.12-17.70), with no significant association observed in their absence (OR: 1.12, 95 % CI: 0.74-1.69). Extreme sleep problems are associated with PLEs in Japanese adults. Furthermore, among adults with PLEs, extreme sleep problems may contribute to loneliness. These findings suggest that identifying and treating sleep difficulties in Japanese adults with PLEs may yield benefits that extend beyond sleep outcomes alone.