Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) significantly disrupts sleep, driven by unique neurobiological factors and circadian misalignments rather than simply stress. Approximately 42% of those diagnosed with OCD show signs of delayed sleep-wake phase disorder (DSWPD), leading to late-night rumination and impaired functioning. Factors such as intrusive thoughts and cognitive hyperarousal exacerbate this phenomenon, as the disorder's neurobiology indicates altered brain activity during sleep. Implementing targeted strategies like Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), light therapy, and mindfulness tailored to these sleep challenges can enhance recovery, improve emotional regulation, and alleviate symptoms.
One of its most overlooked, and clinically disruptive, features is chronic sleep disturbance.
Research indicates that approximately 42 percent of individuals with OCD exhibit signs of delayed sleep-wake phase disorder (DSWPD).
This circadian misalignment contributes to a pattern of late-night rumination, delayed sleep onset, and impaired daytime functioning.
Treating sleep as a core component of OCD recovery improves emotional regulation and symptom severity.
Collection
[
|
...
]