Young people who experience insomnia symptoms have almost a threefold increased risk of psychosis onset compared with their peers, an Australian study suggests. 

The findings also indicate that adolescents and young adults with a history of sleep-wake disturbances — such as poor-quality sleep, oversleeping or daytime fatigue — have a 1.5-2.5 greater relative risk of developing mood disorders, such as bipolar or depression.

The research team, which included Professor Ian Hickie from the Brain and Mind Centre at the University of Sydney, analysed data from more than 1800 twin and non-twin siblings (mean age 26), who had been followed since the age of 12 and older, as part of the Brisbane Longitudinal Twin Study.

After undergoing psychiatric assessment, about 31% of participants with self-reported sleep difficulties met the criteria for a mood or psychotic syndrome, with the median age of onset about 20.