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October 02, 2024 04:32 PM IST
Daily nightmares were associated with a higher risk of suicidal tendencies in children as young as 10.
Typically, sleep disturbances in children are dismissed as natural sleep patterns that can be corrected over time. However, a recent study suggests that sleep disorders in children are more serious than previously thought. According to a study conducted by the Stanford Suicide Prevention Research Laboratory in California, sleep disturbances in children at age 10 may lead to a 2.7 times higher risk of suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts two years later.
According to the study, at least one in three participants later reported suicidal behavior. Dr. Rebecca Bernert, a suicide expert and founder of the Stanford Suicide Prevention Research Laboratory in California, told CNN in an email conversation that sleep may be a risk factor for youth suicide. To prevent suicides, it is advisable not to stigmatize sleep disorders and treat them accordingly.
Also read: Study finds lack of sleep in children increases risk of developing psychological disorders in adulthood
Suicide: One of the leading causes of death in children
According to the study, around the age of 10 to 14, suicide is one of the leading causes of death – sleep disturbances have also been reported in the same age group.
The study was conducted on 8,800 children recruited by the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study at 21 sites across the United States. Factors such as difficulty falling or staying asleep, difficulty waking up, excessive sleepiness, difficulty breathing during sleep, excessive sweating during sleep, and behavior patterns in half-asleep were observed by the parents of the children.
Also read: How to support and protect a child who considers suicide the only option
Other factors leading to suicidal tendencies
Since the first data collection, 91.3 percent of participants did not experience suicidal behavior – however, those participants who had suicidal tendencies were associated with severe sleep disturbances. The study further observed that factors such as depression, anxiety and family conflict or history of depression also contributed to suicide attempts and ideation. However, the risk was associated with being higher among participants of color and female adolescents. The study further states that having daily nightmares increases the risk of suicidal tendencies by five times.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions you may have about a medical condition.
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