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The Link Between Insomnia, Schizophrenia And Depression

April 9, 2021

Insomnia is commonly seen in those with schizophrenia. Now, a new study has shown that insomnia is closely associated with more suicidal thoughts, anxiety and depression in these patients.

The study investigated the thoughts and actions of 1,494 patients with schizophrenia, and found that nearly half of patients experienced difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early. Difficulty falling and staying asleep was significantly increased amongst patients who had attempted suicide in the past 6 months, and waking up too early was associated with current suicidal thoughts.

Both insomnia and schizophrenia cause disturbances to the body’s natural clock, or circadian rhythm that regulates sleep and wakefulness and other essential body functions. Therefore, these two conditions together create a much higher risk for paranoia, suicidal thoughts and the health implications that come with compromised sleep.

This study reveals the importance of identifying and treating insomnia in schizophrenic patients, as it often goes undiagnosed. The good news is that when sleep improves, psychologists say that schizophrenia is also likely to improve.

The CPAP Clinic has a network of 40 clinics nationwide, and works in partnership with Centurion Healthcare, a Respiratory & Sleep Specialist clinic group to provide comprehensive sleep care including:

  1. Respiratory & Sleep Specialist consultation – face-to-face and telehealth available
  2. Sleep studies – in-lab, home and contactless sleep studies available.

Bulk billing available for specialist telehealth consultations as well as sleep studies. Medicare criteria apply. Call 1300 76 29 39 or email info@thecpapclinic.com.au for more information.