Sleep plays a critical role in mental health. And a new study led by University of Arizona researchers has found a link in sleep problems and suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
The study surveyed 885 people from May 2020 to May 2021. Forty-one percent of participants had thought about suicide in their lifetime.
The team then compared individuals with and without suicide ideation on different measures of sleep, such as duration, timing, insomnia, nightmares and depressive symptoms.
Lead author Michael Grandner with UA said working to improve sleep health can reduce the risk of suicide.
Suicide was in the top three leading causes of death for those aged 10-35 in 2020.
The study was published in the Journal of American College Health.