Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 23, 2026
11:31
Rapid Fractionation and Isolation of Whole Blood Components in Samples Obtained from a Community-based Setting
Published on: November 30, 2015
Nightmares, insomnia, and suicide within a trauma-exposed sample.
Victoria West Staples1, Emma Angle1, Ainsley Pickering1
1School of Education, Social Work and Psychological Sciences, University of Missouri-Kansas City.
Summary
Nightmares and insomnia independently predict suicide cognitions in trauma-exposed individuals. Interventions targeting these sleep disturbances may help reduce suicidal thinking.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Sleep Medicine
- Trauma Studies
Background:
- The relationship between nightmares and suicide is debated, with potential confounding factors like fear of sleep (FoS), insomnia, and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
- Existing literature lacks clarity on these associations, particularly within trauma-exposed populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the direct relationship between nightmares, insomnia, and suicide cognitions in trauma-exposed individuals.
- To control for the influence of fear of sleep (FoS) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in this relationship.
Main Methods:
- A sample of 223 trauma-exposed participants completed an anonymous online survey.
- Measures included trauma exposure, insomnia symptoms, nightmare frequency, FoS, suicide cognitions (SCS), and OSA.
- Stepwise regression analysis was used to examine predictive relationships.
Main Results:
- Insomnia and nightmare frequency were independently associated with suicide cognitions (SCS).
- Fear of sleep (FoS) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) did not predict SCS in the final model.
- The combined model explained 21% of the variance in suicide cognitions.
Conclusions:
- Nightmares and insomnia are significant independent predictors of suicide cognitions in trauma-exposed individuals.
- The association between nightmares and suicidal thoughts is not solely explained by insomnia or fear of sleep.
- Targeting interventions for insomnia and nightmares may be a viable strategy for reducing suicidal ideation in at-risk populations.
Related Concept Videos
01:18Nightmares and Night Terrors
Nightmares and night terrors represent two distinct types of sleep disturbances that differ in timing, characteristics, and the sleeper's recall of the event. Nightmares are vivid, disturbing dreams that usually awaken the sleeper from REM sleep, a stage of sleep where brain activity is high, and dreams are most frequent. Upon awakening, individuals often have detailed recollections of their nightmares, which can include themes of threats to survival, security, or self-esteem.
Nightmares often...
Nightmares often...
01:27Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric condition that arises following exposure to traumatic events such as natural disasters, forced displacement, or severe accidents. It significantly impairs individuals' ability to cope with daily activities and disrupts their emotional and psychological equilibrium.
Symptoms and Behavioral Manifestations
A spectrum of distressing symptoms characterizes PTSD. Recurrent flashbacks, where individuals involuntarily relive traumatic events, are a...
Symptoms and Behavioral Manifestations
A spectrum of distressing symptoms characterizes PTSD. Recurrent flashbacks, where individuals involuntarily relive traumatic events, are a...
01:20Traumatic Memory
Emotionally traumatic events often lead to memories that are exceptionally vivid and enduring, sometimes persisting with remarkable clarity throughout an individual's life. A classic example of this phenomenon is a person who survives a car accident. Even years later, they may recall every detail of the event with startling accuracy — the screeching of the tires, the jarring impact, and the acrid smell of burning rubber. Such vividness contrasts sharply with how an individual remembers mundane...
01:27Insomnia
Insomnia is a prevalent sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep, frequent awakenings during the night, and waking up too early without being able to return to sleep. People with insomnia often experience these disruptions at least three nights a week for at least one month. Chronic insomnia, which lasts for at least three months, can lead to increased anxiety, which in turn can worsen sleep difficulties, creating a cycle of sleeplessness and stress.
Multiple factors contribute...
Multiple factors contribute...
01:18Anxiety: Overview
Anxiety is a common mental disorder featuring excessive worry, fear, and apprehension, significantly affecting daily life. People with anxiety disorders experience persistent and intense anxiety, interrupting their everyday functioning.
Individuals with anxiety often experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms, including sweating, trembling, tachycardia, and disturbances in sleep patterns. These symptoms vary in intensity and frequency but are generally disruptive and distressing.
Individuals with anxiety often experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms, including sweating, trembling, tachycardia, and disturbances in sleep patterns. These symptoms vary in intensity and frequency but are generally disruptive and distressing.
01:27Panic Disorder
Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent and sudden minutes-long episodes of intense fear, known as panic attacks. These attacks may feel like heart attacks and often happen without warning or a specific cause. They can include symptoms such as rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, chest pain, trembling, sweating, dizziness, and a sense of helplessness. During a panic attack, individuals may feel as though they are experiencing a heart attack or are in a...