A recent article from Wright State University examined sleep functioning in persons with Borderline Personality Disorder.  They found that statistically significant differences between “normal” controls and persons with borderline personality.  Subjective sleep quality was lower, sleep duration was less, onset to sleep was longer, and daytime dysfunction was higher.

At PCH Treatment Center, we understand that good sleep habits and quality sleep are extremely important to optimize successful treatment of psychological disorders.  In all of our treatment programs, we feature a sleep group with Dr. Sarosh Motivala, a world-renowned sleep expert.  We feel very strongly that sleep problems must be addressed to promote a healthy mind and body.

Prim Care Companion J Clin Psychiatry. 2010;12(5). pii: PCC.09m00919.

Sleep quality in borderline personality disorder: a cross-sectional study.

Sansone RA, Edwards HC, Forbis JS.

Department of Psychiatry and Internal Medicine, Wright State University School of Medicine, Dayton ; Department of Psychiatry Education and Department of Internal Medicine , Kettering Medical Center, Kettering; and Department of Sociology, University of Dayton, Dayton , Ohio.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, relationships between sleep quality and borderline personality disorder were examined using 2 self-report measures.

METHOD: Using a cross-sectional design in a sample of convenience of internal medicine outpatients, we surveyed men and women (N=76), aged 18 years or older, who were seeking nonemergent medical care during the period January 2009 to September 2009. Sleep quality was assessed with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and borderline personality was assessed with 2 measures: the borderline personality scale of the Personality Diagnostic Questionnaire-4 (PDQ-4) and the Self-Harm Inventory (SHI).

RESULTS: The global PSQI score was statistically significantly associated with scores on the PDQ-4 (P < .01), the SHI (P < .01), and the combination PDQ-4 and SHI (P < .01). With regard to the components of the PSQI, subjective sleep quality (P < .05), sleep duration (P < .05), and daytime dysfunction (P < .01) were all statistically significantly associated with scores on the PDQ-4, and sleep latency was statistically significantly associated with the combined PDQ-4 and SHI (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS: Individuals with borderline personality symptomatology demonstrate a poorer overall quality of sleep than those without these symptoms.