South SFV Today

A recent study led by Stanford Medicine has identified a significant link between childhood sleep disturbances and the development of suicidal thoughts and behaviors during adolescence. The research, published in JAMA Network Open, involved over 8,800 children aged 9 and 10 who initially had no suicidal tendencies. Findings revealed that those with severe sleep issues were more than twice as likely to develop such thoughts or behaviors within two years compared to those without sleep problems.

Rebecca Bernert, PhD, senior author of the study and founder of the Stanford Suicide Prevention Research Laboratory, emphasized the importance of understanding this connection. She stated, "This risk factor provides a gateway to treatment...to specifically reduce risk of suicide." Bernert highlighted that sleep issues are easily identifiable and treatable, making them a crucial focus for intervention.

The study utilized data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study funded by the National Institutes of Health. It analyzed information from parents about their children's sleep patterns and mental health over two years. Results showed that children with high levels of initial sleep disturbance were significantly more likely to exhibit suicidal ideation or behavior by age 12.

Factors such as anxiety, family history of depression, and family conflict were also linked to higher risks of suicidal thoughts. In contrast, increased parental monitoring was associated with lower risks. "Parentally set earlier bedtimes are helpful," Bernert noted.

Particularly concerning were nightmares; children experiencing severe nightmares were five times more likely to develop suicidal thoughts or behaviors later on. Bernert explained that REM sleep plays a role in emotion regulation and processing emotional information. Intense nightmares might disrupt this process but also present an opportunity for intervention.

Effective treatments for insomnia and nightmares exist without medication. Techniques like "dream re-scripting" have shown promise in treating nightmares through guided imagery exercises.

Bernert hopes these findings will aid pediatricians in identifying early signs of mental health issues through simple tools like questionnaires focusing on bedtime routines and daytime sleepiness.

Researchers from the University of Colorado contributed to this study alongside Stanford Medicine. The work was supported partly by a grant from the Children’s Hospital Colorado Foundation.

For those in crisis, support is available via phone at 988 or text TALK to 741741 through the Crisis Text Line.