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Functional Neurological Disorder, Sleep, and Dreaming: A Large Online Questionnaire-Based Study
Sichen Yin1, Kulveer Ghatora2, Tiago Teodoro2,3
1Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neurosciences, King's College London, London.
The Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences
|November 17, 2025
Summary
Individuals with functional neurological disorder (FND) frequently experience poor sleep quality and nightmares, which may worsen FND symptoms. These sleep disturbances are common and impact daily functioning.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Sleep Medicine
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) is a condition affecting brain function, leading to neurological symptoms.
- Sleep disturbances are anecdotally reported in FND but require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore sleep disturbance in functional neurological disorder (FND).
- To investigate the impact of sleep disturbance on FND symptoms.
Main Methods:
- An online questionnaire was developed with FND charities.
- 373 adults with self-reported FND participated.
Main Results:
- 86% of participants were women; 73% reported poor sleep quality.
- 93% reported nonpositive dream content, 78% had weekly nightmares.
- 46% noted symptom improvement after good sleep; 88% reported symptom worsening related to sleep.
- 74% of those with functional seizures reported they occurred during sleep.
Conclusions:
- Findings confirm poor sleep quality, nightmares, and negative dreams in FND.
- Self-reported sleep and dream content may influence FND symptoms.
- High risk for selection and recall bias acknowledged.
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