Sleep disturbances as risk factors for suicidal thoughts and behaviours: a meta-analysis of longitudinal studies

Abstract

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in understanding the relationship between sleep and suicide. Although sleep disturbances are commonly cited as critical risk factors for suicidal thoughts and behaviours, it is unclear to what degree sleep disturbances confer risk for suicide. The aim of this meta-analysis was to clarify the extent to which sleep disturbances serve as risk factors (i.e., longitudinal correlates) for suicidal thoughts and behaviours. Our analyses included 156 total effects drawn from 42 studies published between 1982 and 2019. We used a random effects model to analyse the overall effects of sleep disturbances on suicidal ideation, attempts, and death. We additionally explored potential moderators of these associations. Our results indicated that sleep disturbances are statistically significant, yet weak, risk factors for suicidal thoughts and behaviours. The strongest associations were found for insomnia, which significantly predicted suicide ideation (OR 2.10 [95% CI 1.83-2.41]), and nightmares, which significantly predicted suicide attempt (OR 1.81 [95% CI 1.12-2.92]). Given the low base rate of suicidal behaviours, our findings raise questions about the practicality of relying on sleep disturbances as warning signs for imminent suicide risk. Future research is necessary to uncover the causal mechanisms underlying the relationship between sleep disturbances and suicide.

Figure 1

PRISMA flowchart.

Figure 2

Number of studies and effect sizes over time.

Figure 3

Funnel plots. (a) Suicide ideation, (b) suicide attempt, and (c) suicide death. Filled circles represent observed effects, and open circles represent imputed effects.