Children with Chronic Lack of Sleep at Increased Risk of Psychosis in Early Adulthood
Summary
Children who consistently experience insufficient sleep from infancy through early childhood are significantly more likely to develop psychosis as young adults, according to a recent study from the University of Birmingham. The research, which analyzed data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, found a strong link between chronic sleep deprivation and the development of psychotic disorders and episodes later in life. This study is the first of its kind to connect persistent sleep problems with future mental health issues, underscoring the importance of addressing sleep issues early. The research also explored potential biological explanations, such as immune system impairments, indicating complex interactions between sleep, physical health, and mental health.
Key Facts
- Strong Link to Psychosis: Children who consistently had reduced sleep were more than twice as likely to develop psychotic disorders and nearly four times as likely to experience psychotic episodes in early adulthood.
- Long-Term Study Data: The findings are based on the comprehensive Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, tracking sleep patterns from 6 months to 7 years and mental health at 24 years.
- Potential Biological Links: Preliminary findings suggest that immune system dysfunction, marked by elevated inflammation levels, may partially explain the relationship between sleep deprivation and psychosis, although other factors are likely involved.
Children at Risk of Psychosis Due to Chronic Lack of Sleep
Children who experience chronic lack of sleep from infancy may be at increased risk of developing psychosis in early adulthood, reveals a new study conducted at the University of Birmingham. The research examined information on nighttime sleep duration from a large cohort study of children aged between 6 months and 7 years old. The study found that children who persistently slept fewer hours throughout this time period were more than twice as likely to develop a psychotic disorder in early adulthood and nearly four times as likely to have a psychotic episode.
This research is the first to establish a strong predictive link between persistent lack of sleep and psychosis. Lead author, Dr Isabel Morales-Muñoz, emphasized the importance of early intervention for sleep problems in children. While occasional sleep problems are normal, persistent and chronic sleep problems could be a red flag for future psychiatric illness. The study also noted that it is possible to improve sleep patterns and behaviors, providing a potential avenue for prevention and intervention.
The study data drew from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC), which tracked sleep patterns from 6 months to 7 years of age for 12,394 children. At 24 years old, 3,889 participants were assessed for mental health outcomes. While the association between lack of sleep in childhood and psychosis in early adulthood was strong, the study did not establish a causal link, and further exploration of potential factors is needed.
Additionally, the researchers examined the overall immune system health of the children as a potential explanation for the link between sleep deprivation and psychosis. Specifically, they measured inflammation levels in blood samples taken when participants were around nine years old. The results showed a correlation between a weakened immune system and the associations between lack of sleep and psychosis. However, the exact mechanisms and other influential factors remain to be fully understood.
The recent research conducted by Dr Morales-Muñoz is part of the Mental Health Mission Midlands Translational Centre, led by the University of Birmingham and funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research. The aim of this center is to develop and test targeted interventions for children and young people with mental illness, including early psychosis and depression.
About this Sleep, Psychosis, and Neurodevelopment Research News
Author: Beck Lockwood
Source: University of Birmingham
Contact: Beck Lockwood – University of Birmingham
Original Research: Open access research with results published in JAMA Psychiatry conducted by Isabel Morales-Muñoz et al.
Abstract
Short sleep duration across childhood and psychosis in young adulthood: the role of inflammation
Importance: Short sleep duration over a prolonged period in childhood could have a detrimental impact on long-term mental health, including the development of psychosis. Further, potential underlying mechanisms of these associations remain unknown.
Objective: To examine the association between persistent shorter nighttime sleep duration throughout childhood with psychotic experiences (PEs) and/or psychotic disorder (PD) at age 24 years and whether inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein [CRP] and interleukin 6 [IL-6]) potentially mediate any association.
Design, Setting, and Participants: This cohort study used data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children and was conducted from January 30 to August 1, 2023.
Exposures: Nighttime sleep duration was collected at 6, 18, and 30 months and at 3.5, 4 to 5, 5 to 6, and 6 to 7 years.
Main Outcomes and Measures: Psychotic experiences and disorders were assessed at age 24 years, and CRP and IL-6 levels were used as mediators. Latent class growth analyses (LCGAs) were used for detecting sleep duration trajectories, while logistic regressions and path analyses were employed to examine the associations and potential mediation.
Results: The study analyzed data from 12,394 children for the sleep duration trajectory, and 3,962 young adults were used for logistic regression, and path analyses. The results revealed a group of individuals characterized by a persistent shorter nighttime sleep duration across childhood. These individuals were significantly more likely to develop a psychotic disorder (odds ratio [OR] of 2.50) and experience psychotic episodes (OR of 3.64) at age 24 years. The study further showed that increased levels of IL-6 at 9 years partially mediated the associations between persistent shorter sleep duration and psychotic outcomes in early adulthood.
Conclusions and Relevance: The study highlights the importance of addressing short sleep duration in childhood as a potential risk factor for the development of subsequent psychosis. Furthermore, the findings suggest that targeted interventions focusing on improving both sleep patterns and inflammatory responses could hold promise for preventive measures concerning mental health in children. However, it is crucial to conduct further research in order to fully comprehend the exact mechanisms and factors involved.
