A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine confirms that insomnia and nightmares are related to suicidal thoughts. Researchers have thought that to be the case for some time, but they had not yet proved an absolute link between the disorders.
The research included fifty participants between the ages of 20 and 84. All of them were being treated for depression at the time of the study, and over half had attempted suicide in the past. The study was headed up by Dr. W. Vaughn McCall, the chair of the Medical College of Georgia Department of Psychology and Health Behavior, at Georgia Regents University. She said of the research, “Insomnia and nightmares, which are often confused and go hand-in-hand, are known risk factors for suicide but just how they contribute was unknown.” According to the Insomnia Severity Index, which consists of seven questions to assess the seriousness of a person’s sleeplessness, all together, the subjects were mild insomniacs.
When measured independent of suicidal thoughts, insomnia was found to be a precursor for suicidal thinking. But, when nightmares and one’s outlook toward sleep were considered, the correlation between insomnia and suicidal thoughts was no longer apparent. Researchers claim that those suffering from depression, insomnia can lead to hopeless thoughts in terms of their outlook on sleep.
Dr. McCall said of their results, “It turns out insomnia can lead to a very specific type of hopelessness, and hopelessness by itself is a powerful predictor of suicide,” she continued, “It’s fascinating because what it tells you is we have discovered a new predictor for suicidal thinking.”
A suicide threat is a real, imminent emergency that should always be taken seriously. If you or anyone you know, is displaying any signs of depression, hopelessness or uncharacteristic behavior, please do not hesitate to seek help from a professional immediately.
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