Sleep, Nightmares and Schizophrenia
Journal of Sleep Disorders and Management November 3, 2017 DOI: 10.23937/2572-4053.1510017 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Narrative review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Patients with psychosis or schizophrenia |
| Topics | Dreaming |
| Keywords | Psychopathology Schizophrenia object-oriented programming Context archaeology Sleep system call Insomnia Distressing Suicide risk Psychosis Clinical psychology Poison control Suicide prevention Medical emergency |
| Citations | 4 |
| Key findings | Nightmares are common and distressing in schizophrenia, and their alleviation can improve quality of life and lower suicide risk. |
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.