Longitudinal role of sleep disturbance in mental health and functioning among adults with suicidal ideation

Abstract

Objectives

Treating sleep disturbance may lead to treatment or prevention effects for a range of mental health problems. However, limited research has examined the role of poor sleep in mental health among people experiencing suicidal distress. This study tested whether symptoms of sleep disturbance were prospectively associated with increased severity of depression symptoms, psychological distress, suicidal ideation (SI) and functional impairment in a large population-based sample of adults with suicidal ideation SI.

Method

The LifeTrack longitudinal study involves a cohort of Australian adults experiencing recent SI recruited from the general population. Symptoms of sleep disturbance (PROMIS-sleep disturbance) were reported at baseline. Complete baseline and 6-month follow-up data were provided by 776 (84%) participants, including symptoms of depression, psychological distress, SI severity and functional impairment, while 668 (72%) also completed 12-month assessments.

Results

In regression analyses, baseline sleep disturbance symptoms were significantly associated with depression, distress, and functioning at 6- and 12-months, accounting for baseline symptom severity, age, and gender. However, associations between baseline sleep disturbance and subsequent SI were observed only at 12 months. Gender and health-related variables significantly moderated the effects of sleep disturbance on functional impairment at 12 months but not 6 months.

Conclusions

Sleep disturbance may play an important role in the maintenance of mental ill health among people experiencing suicidal distress, although effects on SI may be delayed. Most associations were not moderated by demographic or health factors. Findings suggest that treating sleep disturbance may lead to improved mental health among people with SI.