Sleep Monitoring for Early Detection of Relapse in People With Schizophrenia or Bipolar Disorder Receiving Usual Treatment

DESCANT is a prospective, longitudinal observational study examining the relationship between objectively measured sleep disturbances and early symptoms of relapse in clinically stable adults with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder receiving usual treatment. Sleep data will be collected in participants' homes using a prototype sensor-equipped mattress topper. Recorded variables will include sleep duration, awakenings, movements, and time spent in bed. Individual baseline patterns will provide a reference for identifying subsequent changes. Clinical assessments will take place at baseline, monthly during follow-up, and at the end of the six-month observation period. An additional assessment will be triggered when the device detects a change of at least 20% from the participant's usual sleep duration or time spent in bed over two consecutive nights. These assessments will examine whether the detected changes coincide with early psychiatric symptom worsening. Symptoms in participants with schizophrenia will be assessed using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). Participants with bipolar disorder will be assessed using the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS). Functioning will be assessed using the Functioning Assessment Short Test (FAST). Stressful life events will be recorded using the Social Readjustment Rating Scale (SRRS). Sociodemographic characteristics and usual psychotropic medication will also be recorded. The analysis will examine relationships between changes in sleep patterns, psychiatric symptoms, and functioning over time. Stressful life events will be considered as a potential influencing factor. The study aims to generate preliminary evidence about whether home-based sleep measurements can help identify early signs of relapse.