The
link between sleep problems and suicidal thoughts and behaviours has been made
starkly clear in new research from The University of Manchester, published in
the BMJ Open, reports ITRealms.
In
this study, conducted by researchers from the University's School of Health
Sciences alongside the University of Oxford, 18 participants were
interviewed about the role sleep problems have on suicidal tendencies.
Three
inter-related pathways to suicidal thoughts were identified arising from sleep
problems. The first was that being awake at night heightened the risks of
suicidal thoughts and attempts, which in part was seen as a consequence of the
lack of help or resources available at night.
ITRealms gathered that secondly,
the research found that a prolonged failure to achieve a good night's sleep
made life harder for respondents, adding to depression, as well as increasing
negative thinking, attention difficulties and inactivity.
Finally,
respondents said sleep acted as an alternative to suicide, providing an escape
from their problems. However, the desire to use sleep as an avoidance tactic
led to increased day time sleeping which in turn caused disturbed sleeping
patterns - reinforcing the first two pathways.
Donna
Littlewood, lead author of the study, said the research has implications for
service providers, such as health care specialist and social services.
"Our
research underscores the importance of restoring healthy sleep in relation to
coping with mental health problems, suicidal thoughts and behaviours," Littlewood said.
In addition, the lead author said, night time service provision should be a key consideration within suicide
prevention strategies, given that this study shows that those who are awake in
the night are at an increased risk of suicide.
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