Sleep in Schizophrenia: Pathology and Treatment

Abstract

Both subjective and objective assessments of sleep patterns in schizophrenia include a wide range of dyssomnias, with insomnia being the most frequently cited. Early and middle insomnia can range from mild disruption to total sleeplessness. Severe insomnia is a prodromal sign of clinical exacerbation or relapse. In general, most antipsychotic agents (APs) ameliorate this insomnia. However, in some schizophrenics APs can be associated with residual insomnia or with significant daytime somnolence. Furthermore, in some schizophrenics APs can induce or exacerbate comorbid sleep disorders such as restless legs syndrome, sleep-disordered breathing, and parasomnias such as sleepwalking.

Keywords: Insomnia; Polysomnography; Schizophrenia; Side effects; Sleep; Sleep disorders.