Sleep disruption and its psychological treatment in young people at risk of psychosis: A peer methods qualitative evaluation.

In 30 seconds

This peer-methods qualitative study explored how young people at risk of psychosis experienced sleep problems and psychological sleep therapy. Researchers used semi-structured interviews and reflexive thematic analysis with 16 participants in the SleepWell Trial; 10 had received the 12-week therapy. Four themes concerned barriers to mental health care, the perceived connection between sleep and mental health, the value of flexible therapy, and wider benefits of improved sleep. Participants described better sleep alongside improvements in mood, confidence, voices, fears and everyday life. These accounts indicate perceived benefits, rather than establishing treatment efficacy.

Key findings

• Participants described rejection and invalidation when seeking mental health care, contributing to hopelessness and resignation.
• Interviewees viewed sleep disruption and other mental health difficulties as closely connected.
• Flexible delivery and a clear therapeutic focus were valued and supported ownership, engagement and hope.
• Participants reported better sleep alongside fewer voices and fears, improved mood and confidence, and benefits in everyday life.

Why it matters

The interviews highlight that sleep problems are experienced within a broader context of mental health difficulties and barriers to care. Participants valued a focused, adaptable approach and described benefits extending beyond sleep. These perspectives can inform understanding of what young people may find acceptable and helpful, while qualitative accounts cannot determine how consistently such benefits occur.

What to keep in mind

This was a qualitative interview study of 16 trial participants, including 10 who received therapy; participant accounts do not establish treatment efficacy or the frequency of reported benefits.