SleepWell intervention can prevent Psychotic Experiences in Youth at Risk: Lancet

Sleep disruption has long been linked to mental health issues, and a recent study has shed light on its potential impact on young people at ultra-high risk of psychosis. The results were published in The Lancet Psychiatry.

The study by researchers from National Health Service (NHS) trusts in England, aimed to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a randomized controlled trial targeting sleep problems to mitigate psychotic experiences in this vulnerable population.

The research, which spanned from November 2020 to January 2022, screened 67 young individuals, of whom 40 (60%) at ultra-high risk of psychosis were enrolled. The participants, aged between 14 and 25, were already patients of mental health services and displayed sleep problems, a common issue associated with mental health disturbances.

The trial employed a single-blind, parallel-group design where participants were randomly assigned to either receive the targeted psychological sleep therapy (SleepWell) in addition to usual care, or just usual care. SleepWell therapy involved approximately eight hour-long sessions delivered over a 12-week period. The efficacy of this approach was measured at 3 and 9 months, showing a reduction in insomnia severity in the SleepWell group compared to the usual care group.