Insomniacs at Greater Risk for Suicide

Sleep is essential for survival as it allows the body to repair and rejuvenate. Lack of quality sleep, also known as insomnia, can have severe consequences on physical and mental health.

Insomniacs often have difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing non-restorative sleep. Along with physical health problems, insomnia can also increase the risk of mental health problems such as depression and anxiety. More alarmingly, insomnia has been linked to an increased risk of suicide.

This article aims to examine the relationship between insomnia and suicide risk, explore the potential reasons for the link, and discuss preventative measures.

The Research

A number of studies have reported an association between insomnia and suicide risk. The 2009 Survey of Health Risks and Behaviors of Japanese Adults found that individuals who suffer from insomnia are more likely to consider and attempt suicide.

Similarly, the National Comorbidity Survey found that those with chronic insomnia were at a higher risk of suicidal ideation, plans, and attempts, with females at a higher risk than males. A 2013 study conducted by researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine found that insomniacs were more than twice as likely to attempt suicide as people who slept well.

The link between insomnia and suicide risk was also identified in a large-scale epidemiological study of the general population. The investigation found that poor sleep quality was significantly associated with an increased risk of suicide by all methods in adults, with an even stronger association in females.

These findings are just a few of many that have consistently linked insomnia to an elevated risk of suicide.

Why is There a Link?

Insomnia is a complex disorder that can affect different aspects of a person’s life including physical and mental health, work performance, social life, and relationships.

Insomniacs experience several stressors that can trigger suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The most common stressor is likely the debilitating daytime fatigue that results from a lack of sleep.

Chronic fatigue can impair an individual’s ability to function effectively, increase irritability and make minor issues seem like major problems. These factors can lead to increased levels of stress and hopelessness that can be difficult to overcome.

Additionally, individuals with insomnia often feel a sense of loneliness and isolation as their nights are spent awake while everyone else sleeps soundly. Insomniacs also tend to spend more time ruminating and worrying, which can exacerbate feelings of sadness and anxiety. All these factors can combine to increase the likelihood of self-harm or suicidal ideation in insomniacs.

Furthermore, the link between insomnia and suicide risk might be attributed to the changes in brain chemistry that occur as a result of sleep deprivation.

Sleep deprivation can alter mood-regulating chemicals and stress hormones in the brain, leading to increased anxiety and depression symptoms. Researchers have also found that sleep deprivation can increase impulsivity and decrease the ability to make rational decisions.

This effect is highly relevant when discussing suicide risk as impulsivity is a major risk factor for suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Insomniacs are thought to be more vulnerable to the negative effects of sleep deprivation, which can lead to an increased risk of suicide.

Prevention Measures

As insomnia has been found to be a risk factor for suicide, prevention measures aimed at preventing insomnia and treating existing insomnia are crucial to reducing suicide rates.

Primary prevention measures include providing public awareness of the importance of sleep hygiene, lifestyle modifications, and education on proper use of sleep aids. Creating a conducive sleep environment, i.e. cool, dark, and quiet, avoiding caffeine or alcohol, and engaging in regular exercise can all improve sleep quality.

In addition to these primary prevention measures, there are various effective treatments for insomnia that aim to improve sleep and reduce suicidal thoughts. These include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBTi) and short-acting benzodiazepines, which aid in initiating and maintaining sleep.

It is important to note, however, that the aforementioned medications should be used with caution and only under a physician’s supervision.

Another way of preventing insomnia is to target the stressors that contribute to its development. One such strategy is problem-solving therapy.

This therapy aims to identify the sources of stress in the individual’s life and determine what changes can be made to reduce or eliminate them. It is also imperative to identify individuals who are at high risk of developing insomnia and suicidal ideation. Early detection and treatment are essential in reducing the risks associated with insomnia.

Conclusion

Insomnia is a prevalent sleep disorder that affects a large proportion of the population. While insomnia can negatively impact quality of life and overall health, it has also been linked to an increased risk of suicide.

The stressors associated with insomnia, as well as changes in brain chemistry resulting from sleep deprivation, may contribute to an increase in suicidal ideation and behavior. Preventive measures such as practicing good sleep hygiene, treating existing insomnia and reducing stressors that contribute to its development, as well as early identification and treatment, are crucial in curbing suicide rates.