Sleep problems, nightmares linked to suicide

Sleep disturbances, especially nightmares, are more common among people who have attempted suicide. However, the association between nightmares and suicidal tendencies does not mean that nightmares cause suicidal thoughts and behaviours or visa versa. Researchers from the Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Sweden, examined this association in a study of 165 adults, ages 18 to 68 years, who were admitted to hospital after attempting suicide. The patients were interviewed about their sleep habits, such as whether they had trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, and how frequently they experienced nightmares. They were also evaluated for intensity of suicidal thoughts, using anxiety and depression tests to determine and rate symptoms of suicidal thoughts and behaviours. Most (89 percent) patients reported having at least one type of sleep problem, with difficulty falling asleep as the most common problem (73 percent). In addition, 69 percent said they had trouble staying asleep and nearly 60 percent said they experienced early morning awakening. Two out of every three patients also reported experiencing nightmares. Frequent nightmares was the only sleep variable associated with high scores on suicidal thinking and behaviours. After factoring in the influence of other variables that may influence the intensity of suicidal tendencies, including other mental health diagnoses, the researchers found that patients with frequent nightmares were almost four times as likely to be highly suicidal compared with patients who didn't report having nightmares. The researchers advise that people who are severely depressed or suicidal, or those experiencing any type of sleep disturbance, should definitely talk to their physician about it. Most adults have occasional nightmares, but they usually diminish in frequency and intensity as people grow older. Frequent nightmares and other sleep disturbances might be a symptom of an underlying sleep disorder, such as sleep apnoea. Emphasising the importance of getting help for any sleep disturbance problems, the researchers suggest that if patients' primary care physicians are not receptive to their sleep complaints, they should seek counsel from a sleep specialist.