RESEARCH WEEKLY: Sleep Patterns in People with Co-Occurring Schizophrenia and Substance Use Disorder By Kelli South Author’s note: This will be my last Research Weekly post, as I am leaving Treatment Advocacy Center. I will continue to work in the research field at an organization that provides knowledge management consulting to a variety of clients. I am so grateful to have worked at an organization dedicated to helping those with severe mental illness. I am also thankful to all of my colleagues — their passion for the work is an inspiration and made every day more exciting. Finally, I want to thank Treatment Advocacy Center’s loyal supporters; your interest and engagement with our work is a constant reminder of how vital this work is. (September 7, 2022) Individuals with schizophrenia and co-occurring substance use disorder (SUD) were found to have different sleep patterns and a lower quality of life than individuals with only SUD, according to a new study published in Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry. Researchers have long emphasized the important role that sleep plays in brain development and recovery, and disruptions in sleep and sleep patterns can negatively impact physical and mental health in an individual. Sleep irregularities are common in people with SUD and individuals can also develop SUDs from overusing medication in order to fall asleep. Study details Participants in the study included 155 male adults in a psychiatric and addiction center, 80 of whom had only SUD and 75 who had co-occurring SUD and schizophrenia. All participants were currently receiving treatment for their illnesses at the time of the study and were interviewed by researchers to understand their symptoms, circadian functioning and quality of life. The researchers then analyzed the results of the surveys and interviews to identify trends and associations among the patients. Results The researchers found several important distinctions between the group with SUD and the group with co-occurring SUD and schizophrenia. First, the co-occurring disorder group in treatment were, on average, younger and less educated than the SUD-only group, suggesting that their cognitive impairments and SUD development occurred earlier in life than those with only SUD. Second, there were differences in sleep patterns between the two groups: Those with a co-occurring disorder tended to adhere to the evening type circadian functioning, meaning that they stay up later at night and have difficulty waking up in the morning. This finding is important because previous research indicates that the evening type sleep pattern may impede the effectiveness of SUD treatment and the remission of psychotic symptoms. Patients with co-occurring SUD and schizophrenia were also found to utilize more sleep medications in order to fall, and stay, asleep. Last, researchers found that those with the co-occurring disorder reported a lower quality of life than those with SUD only. This lower quality of life was also associated with increased psychotic symptoms, increased suicide attempts and decreased physical health. Implications Understanding the impact of sleep quality on individuals with illnesses like schizophrenia and SUD can help healthcare professionals determine proper treatments for these individuals. The authors recommend focusing on several additional treatment areas in light of their findings, including an emphasis on increased physical activity (which is proven to improve sleep quality), and including family support and sleep hygiene programs for anyone being treated for co-occurring schizophrenia and substance use disorder. While improving the sleep habits of a person with a co-occurring disorder will not alone lead to recovery, it is an important factor to consider when looking for ways to improve quality of life and psychotic symptoms in patients with these illnesses. References Hashemzadeha, I., Francisco Navarro, J., & Adan, A. (August 2022). Circadian functioning and quality of life in substance use disorder patients with and without comorbid schizophrenia. Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry. Kelli South is the research & policy manager at Treatment Advocacy Center. View as Webpage To receive Research Weekly directly in your email inbox on a weekly basis, click here. Questions? Contact us at [email protected] Research Weekly is a summary published as a public service of the Treatment Advocacy Center and does not necessarily reflect the findings or positions of the organization or its staff. Full access to research summarized may require a fee or paid subscription to the publications. The Treatment Advocacy Center does not solicit or accept funds from pharmaceutical companies. Treatment Advocacy Center | 200 N Glebe Rd, Ste 801, Arlington, VA 22203 Unsubscribe [email protected] Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by [email protected] powered by Try email marketing for free today!