Insomnia is a problem for many people. A sound night’s sleep is the cornerstone of good mental and physical health. However, recent studies are discovering a correlation between worsening sleep problems, depression, and suicide.
The Alarming Rise: Suicide Rates and Sleep Problems
Insomnia, depression, and suicidal ideation are all major contributors to poor mental health. Any predictive methods that healthcare professionals could use to treat and stop these conditions would be beneficial. For example, according to data from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), suicide has increased by over 30 percent in the U.S. from 1999 to 2016. It is the 10th leading cause of death with more women than men attempting suicide. Yet, men suffer from a higher suicide fatality rate.
Age Matters: Understanding the Link Between Sleep and Mental Health in Different Demographics
Studies have looked at how both poor sleep quality and mental health are linked in both young and old adults. A 2017 Stanford study looked at young adults between the ages of 18 to 23 years of age. Research from Johns Hopkins in 2020 explored the same topic but in older adults who were 60 years of age and older.
Insomnia in Young Adults: A Red Flag for Suicidal Thoughts
Among both younger adults, disrupted sleep patterns and insomnia appear to increase suicidal thoughts and symptoms. In young adults, insomnia appeared to indicate an increase in suicidal thoughts independent from depression. For older adults, poor sleep patterns were linked to higher rates of depression.
The Elderly and Insomnia: A Warning Sign for Depression
Sleep problems in older adults seem to indicate the presence of depression. The research found that people with worsening insomnia had a much better chance of having a diagnosis of major depressive disorder. Reports of suicidal thoughts were also more prevalent among older adults with worsening sleep patterns.
Connecting the Dots: Sleep Quality, Depression, and Suicide Prevention
Depression and suicide are sometimes associated with younger adults, but these mental illnesses also occur in older populations. Roughly 23 percent of senior citizens who receive home health services were identified as having some form of depression. Yet, this depression is often untreated because some people view these thoughts as simply part of growing old.
Insomnia Prevention as a Step Towards Suicide Prevention
Nearly all people will occasionally experience sleep problems. But when these sleep issues persist over a long period, they can hurt an individual’s physical and mental health.
Taking Action: Seeking Help for Persistent Sleep Issues
Initially, a way to treat insomnia is to develop good sleeping habits while simultaneously fixing the underlying conditions that created the sleep problems. However, if these solutions are not enough; people should seek help from a trained mental health provider.
A Call for Awareness: Complex Nature of Behavioral Health Conditions
It should be noted that all the above-mentioned behavioral health conditions are extremely complex. These psychiatric conditions often have numerous psychological and biological factors. But the more data that mental health providers have at their fingertips, the more likely they will be able to prevent tragedies like suicide from occurring.
About Emerald Psychiatry & TMS Center: Providing Specialized Mental Health Care
The successful treatment of mental illness is one of the specialties at Emerald Psychiatry & TMS Center. Their center is located near Columbus, OH in the town of Dublin. Their center is experienced at treating a wide variety of behavioral and mental conditions.
For more information about their mental health services and treatment options, email or call them. Their direct office number is (614) 580-6917.
