World Suicide Prevention Day
Suicide is devastating and every life lost to suicide is a tragedy. It's also a major public health issue and rates are increasing here in the UK, as well as worldwide.
Here on World Suicide Prevention Day 2020, we want to raise awareness about the relationship between sleep and suicidal thoughts, feelings and behaviours.
“Insomnia is to depression, as high cholesterol is to heart disease”
High up on the long list of factors that are related to suicidal thoughts and feelings is sleep disturbance (especially insomnia). Below you’ll find some key facts, as well as tips on what health professionals can do to support people in distress. We’ve also included some suggestions and links on how to seek support for individuals who are experiencing sleep difficulties alongside suicidal thoughts, feelings and urges.
Here are some key facts to help raise awareness:
Suicidal behaviour has been shown to be two to four times more likely in individuals with general sleep disturbance than those without. Insomnia TRIPLES the risk of suicide attempts.
85% of people with major depressive disorder also meet criteria for insomnia.
People who have both depression AND insomnia are more likely to attempt suicide.
Insomnia has also been shown to be an independent and consistent predictor of suicidal thoughts and actions.
What can Health Professionals do?
Ask about sleep when you're seeing someone in distress.
Make regular suicide and safety plans.
Incorporate evidence-based sleep interventions into care plans (NOT just glorified sleep hygiene!)
What can people who are experiencing suicidal thoughts, feelings and urges do?
TALK. It's so important to talk to someone. It can be your GP, a healthcare worker, or even a friend or family member. If that feels too difficult, the Samaritans are always there - just call them on 116 123 .
Let your health professional know if you're having sleep difficulties. There are really promising scientific studies showing that improving sleep can also really help to improve your mood, as well as reducing the strength that any suicidal thoughts and feelings may be having over you.
The NHS has some great additional suggestions and phone numbers for further support - check them out here.
The Sleep Practice offers evidence based treatments and advice in relation to a range of sleep difficulties and disorders. If you’d like to find out more, get in touch here. We’d love to hear from you.
References:
Chokroverty, S. & Ferini-Strambi, L. (2017). Oxford Textbook of Sleep Disorders. Oxford University Press: Oxford, UK.
Pigeon, W.R et al. (2012). Meta-analysis of sleep disturbance and suicidal thoughts and behaviours. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry; 73(9), 1160-7.
Sunderajan, P. et al (2010). Insomnia in patients with depression: A STAR*D report. CNS Spect; 15(6), 394-404.
Tubbs, A et al. (2019). Surviving the long night: The potential of sleep health for suicide prevention. Sleep Med Rev; 44, p83-84.