Importance of good sleep in helping prevent subsequent suicidal behaviors

Suicide is a leading cause of death among youths in the U.S., and rates have doubled over the past 20 years. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), sleep disturbances are one of the 10 warning signs of suicide, even after adjusting for depression. Sleep difficulties are unique among other risk factors, however, as being “modifying, nonstigmatizing, and highly treatable,” researchers of a study looking at the association between sleep problems and suicide write.