National Institute for Health and Care Research

Sleep Disruption and its Psychological Treatment in Young People at Risk of Psychosis: A Peer Methods Qualitative Evaluation

Waite et al. (2025) explore young people’s experiences of sleep difficulties, mental health challenges, and psychological treatment for sleep problems within a population at risk of psychosis.

Participants described sleep difficulties as deeply interconnected with anxiety, low mood, paranoia, unusual experiences, and broader challenges in daily life. Accessing mental health support was often experienced as difficult and frustrating, whereas the sleep-focused intervention was valued for its flexibility, collaborative style, and personalised approach. Improvements in sleep were associated with wider benefits, including reduced distress, improved mood, increased confidence, and fewer psychotic-like experiences. Overall, the study highlights sleep as a meaningful and acceptable treatment target for young people at risk of psychosis, with the potential to improve multiple aspects of mental health and functioning.

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