Schizophrenia is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder marked by psychosis symptoms, cognitive impairment, and affective dysregulation. Psychosis is also a central feature of bipolar disorder, yet its etiology and diagnostic markers remain insufficiently defined, contributing to challenges in early detection and clinical management. Growing evidence suggests that sleep disturbances represent a transdiagnostic factor implicated in the onset and exacerbation of psychosis across severe mental disorders. This article synthesizes the current literature examining the role of disrupted sleep–wake patterns in individuals with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, with particular emphasis on their contribution to the initiation and maintenance of psychosis symptoms. Alterations in sleep architecture, circadian rhythm dysregulation, and insomnia-related processes are reviewed as potential mechanistic pathways linking sleep disturbance to psychosis. The paper further discusses the etiological relevance of sleep dysfunction in schizophrenia, highlighting its implications for early diagnosis, risk stratification, and prevention of psychotic episodes. Finally, both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions targeting sleep disturbances are examined, underscoring their therapeutic potential in improving clinical outcomes and functional recovery in individuals affected by these debilitating disorders.
Bhanu Chandra Tiwari (2026) studied this question.