Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 2, 2026

Author Spotlight: Unveiling the Connection Between Sleep Disorders and Cognitive Symptoms in Depression
Published on: April 26, 2024
The Mediating Effect of Sleep Quality on the Relationship between Emotional and Behavioral Problems and Suicidal
Luyao Xiao1, Sheng Zhang1, Wenyan Li1
1Department of Medical statistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China.
Abstract:
Emotional and behavioral problems in adolescents are associated with suicidal ideation, but different dimensions of problems may be associated with different levels of suicidal ideation. The aim of this large-scale study was to explore the relationship between different dimensions of emotional and behavioral problems and suicidal ideation in Chinese adolescents and to determine whether sleep disorders play a mediating role in the relationship. In total, 20,475 students completed the questionnaire regarding emotional and behavioral problems, sleep quality and suicidal ideation. After adjustment for covariates, total emotional and behavioral difficulties (adjusted odds ratios (AOR) = 1.22, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.21-1.23) and sleep disorders (AOR = 4.17, 95% CI = 3.82-4.54) increased the risk of suicidal ideation, while prosocial problems (AOR = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.90-0.93) decreased the risk of suicidal ideation. Sleep quality partially mediated the relationship between emotional and behavioral problems and suicidal ideation. The standardized indirect effects of emotional and behavioral difficulties on suicidal ideation (standardized β estimate = 0.031, 95% CI = 0.020, 0.044) and the effects of prosocial problems on suicidal ideation (standardized β estimate = -0.039, 95% CI = -0.045, -0.035) mediated by sleep quality were statistically significant (p < 0.001). Our study indicates that emotional and behavioral problems increase the risk of suicidal ideation. Additionally, sleep quality plays a mediating role in the association between emotional and behavioral problems and suicidal ideation.
More Related Videos
06:23A Chronic Sleep Fragmentation Model using Vibrating Orbital Rotor to Induce Cognitive Deficit and Anxiety-Like Behavior in Young Wild-Type Mice
Published on: September 22, 2020
08:08Eye Tracking, Cortisol, and a Sleep vs. Wake Consolidation Delay: Combining Methods to Uncover an Interactive Effect of Sleep and Cortisol on Memory
Published on: June 18, 2014
Related Concept Videos
Insufficient Sleep and Sleep Deprivation
Sleep deprivation is a more severe form of sleep loss...
Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
Sedatives and Hypnotics Drugs: Miscellaneous Agents
Melatonin congeners like ramelteon (Rozerem) and tasimelteon (Hetlioz) selectively bind to melatonin receptors (MT1 and MT2) and thus mimic the actions of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Tasimelteon is primarily used for non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder, common in blind patients. They are also used to treat conditions like insomnia...
Management of Insomnia
Social Relationships and Well-Being
Sleepwalking and Sleep Talking
Factors that increase the likelihood of sleepwalking include sleep deprivation and alcohol consumption. Contrary to common beliefs, it is safe...