Sleep disturbances and cognitive impairment in schizophrenia spectrum disorders: a systematic review and narrative synthesis

• Published in: Sleep medicine 2021-08, Vol.84, p.8-19
• Main Authors: Carruthers, Sean P., Brunetti, Gemma, Rossell, Susan L.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Actigraphy; Insomnia; Neuropsychology; Polysomnography; Psychosis; Schizoaffective disorder
• ISSN: 1389-9457; 1878-5506
• DOI: 10.1016/j.sleep.2021.05.011

Individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) experience frequent sleep disturbances in addition to enduring cognitive impairments. The purpose of the present review was to systematically summarise our current understanding of the association between sleep disturbances and cognition in SSD. Through this, it was aimed to identify features of disturbed sleep that are reliably associated with cognitive deficits in SSD and identify the gaps within the current literature that require future investigation. Eighteen relevant studies were identified following a two-stage screening process. Following a structured narrative synthesis of key study components, no clear and consistent pattern emerged. Considerable methodological variability was present amongst the reviewed studies. Although some broad consistencies were identified, such as associations between sleep spindle density and sleep-dependent memory consolidation, the overall pattern of results lacked a cohesive composition due to the diverse list of sleep parameters and cognitive domains investigated, as well as a lack of replication. Additional research is needed before more definitive remarks can be made regarding the influence of sleep disturbances on cognitive function in SSD. •Schizophrenia spectrum disorders are characterized by sleep and cognitive deficits.•A relationship may exist between the two symptom clusters.•Considerable methodological variability exists within the limited studies available.•More comprehensive and replicable research is needed.