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Bidirectional associations between sleep problems and suicidal thought/attempt in adolescents: A 3-wave data path
Xianchen Liu1, Yanyun Yang2, Zhen-Zhen Liu3
1Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Cheeloo Medical College, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China; South China Normal University School of Psychology, Guangzhou 510631, China; The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA.
Journal of Affective Disorders
|January 20, 2024
Summary
Sleep problems like insomnia and short sleep duration are bidirectionally linked to suicidal thoughts and attempts in adolescents. Interventions targeting both sleep disturbances and daytime sleepiness are crucial for suicide prevention.
Area of Science:
- Adolescent Health
- Sleep Medicine
- Mental Health Research
Background:
- Sleep problems are prevalent in adolescents and may be associated with mental health issues.
- Suicidal ideation and behavior are significant concerns in adolescent populations worldwide.
- Understanding the complex interplay between sleep and suicidality is critical for effective intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the bidirectional relationships between sleep problems (short sleep, insomnia, daytime sleepiness) and suicidal thoughts/attempts (ST/SA) in Chinese adolescents.
- To investigate the longitudinal associations between various sleep disturbances and suicidality over a two-year period.
- To inform targeted interventions for preventing suicide in adolescents by clarifying the role of sleep.
Main Methods:
- A 3-wave longitudinal study involving 6995 Chinese adolescents (mean age 14.86 years).
- Self-administered questionnaires assessed sleep duration, insomnia, daytime sleepiness, ST, SA, and other behavioral/emotional problems.
- Path analyses were used to examine bidirectional relationships, adjusting for relevant covariates.
Main Results:
- Prevalence rates for short sleep, insomnia, and daytime sleepiness ranged from 16.0% to 58.8% across the study waves.
- Past-year ST and SA prevalence ranged from 1.6% to 12.4%.
- Short sleep, insomnia, and daytime sleepiness predicted subsequent ST, and ST predicted subsequent sleep problems. Daytime sleepiness and SA showed a bidirectional link. Sleep problems and ST/SA predicted themselves over time.
Conclusions:
- Bidirectional relationships exist between sleep problems (short sleep, insomnia, daytime sleepiness) and suicidal thoughts in adolescents.
- Daytime sleepiness and suicidal attempts are also bidirectionally linked.
- Interventions addressing both sleep disturbances and daytime sleepiness are recommended for suicide prevention in adolescents, alongside assessing sleep in those with suicidal ideation.
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