Gender Differences in the Relationship Between Sleep Problems and Suicide Attempt in Adolescents

Area of Science:

• Adolescent Health
• Sleep Medicine
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Suicide attempt (SA) is a significant concern in adolescents.
• Limited research exists on specific sleep problems independently linked to SA and gender differences.
• Understanding these associations is crucial for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the unique associations between specific sleep problems and SA in adolescents.
• To explore gender-specific differences in the relationship between sleep problems and SA.
• To identify key sleep-related risk factors for adolescent SA.

Main Methods:

• A large-scale, school-based health survey was conducted in China.
• 15,132 students aged 10-21 years completed questionnaires on sleep and past 12-month SA.
• Statistical analyses adjusted for sociodemographic variables, psychological symptoms, and co-occurring sleep problems.

Main Results:

• 5.4% of participants reported a suicide attempt.
• In boys, weekday sleep duration, insomnia, and nightmares were independently associated with SA.
• In girls, weekday/weekend sleep duration, napping, insomnia, nightmares, and sleep beliefs were independently associated with SA.

Conclusions:

• Multiple sleep problems are significantly associated with adolescent suicide attempts.
• The specific sleep problems linked to SA differ notably between adolescent boys and girls.
• These findings underscore the importance of gender-sensitive approaches to adolescent mental health and sleep interventions.