Insufficient sleep and suicidality in adolescents

Abstract

Study Objectives: To investigate the association between the behaviorally induced insufficient sleep and suicidality among adolescents. Design: A population-based, cross-sectional survey. Setting: General community. Participants: A sample of 8,530 students (grades 7-11) was recruited in the Republic of Korea. The participants were 8,010 students who completed all questionnaires. Intervention: N/A. Measurements: The survey included the Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation (SSI), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), a modified Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and questionnaires about sleep (weekday/weekend sleep schedule/duration, insomnia and snoring). Results: Adolescents with behaviorally induced insufficient sleep syndrome (BISS) had higher SSI scores than those who slept ≥ 7 hours on weekdays, even after controlling for age, sex, and BDI score (F = 11.71, P < 0.001). After controlling for age and sex, longer weekend oversleep and shorter weekday sleep duration predicted a higher SSI score (β = 0.19, P < 0.001; β = 0.37, P < 0.001). The association between weekend oversleep and SSI score remained significant even after additionally controlling for BDI and ESS scores and presence of insomnia and snoring (β = 0.07, P < 0.01). Conclusion: BISS was found to be associated with increased suicidality. Weekend oversleep was associated with suicidality independently of depression, daytime sleepiness, snoring, and insomnia. The study findings suggest that chronic sleep restriction among adolescents may increase suicidal risk.