Study Links Childhood Sleep Problems to Increased Suicide Risk

Sleep problems become quite an issue when you grow up. It is quite normal to lose some sleep because of stress, workload etc. In that regard children have a much better sleep, they also need a lot of it because they are growing up. It is a very rare thing for a kid to have trouble sleeping. When they do a lot of it is because they are scared or having nightmares, which doesn’t have any solution. While parents may not think it is a red flag, a new study shows that kids who experience sleep problems have a higher chance of suicidal ideations when they are older.

We all know that mental health issues affect people differently, while some people sleep more, others experience a lack of sleep. Kids who have any such mental struggles often do not know how to express them as they do not understand the complexness of the issues. They understand something is wrong, but they also do not know why they are feeling this way, it is often up to parents to see the signs as you may never know how deep the issue is unless you probe them. If your child occasionally has trouble sleeping, you might assume they will grow out of it. However, a recent study highlights potential long-term consequences, specifically, an increased risk of suicidal thoughts or attempts later in life.

Sleep Issues And Suicide Risk

A study published in JAMA Network Open found that children experiencing severe sleep disturbances at age 10 were 2.7 times more likely to report suicidal ideation or attempts by ages 11 or 12. Nearly one in three participants with severe sleep disturbances later exhibited some level of suicidal behavior.

In the study parents gave information about their child's sleep health, anxiety, and depression symptoms, as well as family history of depression and family dynamics. After two years, while the majority of participants had not experienced suicidal thoughts or attempts, the children who had sleep disturbances at age 10 showed a significantly higher risk. The researchers studies more to see if these risk factors like depression, anxiety, and family conflict were dealt with, but the link remained. Children of color and female adolescents were particularly vulnerable. Daily nightmares were also strongly associated with a five-fold increase in suicidal behaviors.

Why Is Sleep Important For Kids?

This study showed the very important role of sleep in brain development, especially during childhood and adolescence. Just like little babies need a lot of sleep, we must remember that sleep is also essential for children and teenagers as their brains undergo significant changes. Sleep deprivation can negatively impact mood, anxiety, and emotional regulation, making it harder to cope with stress, solve problems, and make sound decisions. It also affects crucial brain functions like neurotransmitter regulation and the removal of toxins.

Suicide remains a leading cause of death among children aged 10 to 14, a group with high rates of sleep disturbances. The study reinforces prior research showing that poor sleep is an evidence-based risk factor for suicidal behaviors, even among individuals without depression.

Despite extensive studies on sleep and suicide risk in adults, research on this connection in children and early adolescents has been limited. To fill this gap, researchers analyzed data from over 8,800 children participating in the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study across 21 U.S. locations.

How Can You Support Healthy Sleep In Children?

Good sleep habits are essential for all ages. Parents can help by maintaining consistent bedtime routines and ensuring a wind-down period before sleep. This routine should limit screen time, homework, and physical activity, replacing them with calming activities like reading, journaling, or listening to soothing music. Daytime habits also influence sleep quality. Encouraging physical activity, sun exposure, stress management, and limiting naps can improve sleep hygiene. Mindfulness strategies may help children struggling with bedtime restlessness.

As we have learned, sleep can be a big tell, that your child has mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, or ADHD, if there are any significant changes in your child’s sleep patterns should be discussed with a pediatrician. One such treatment that the doctors will help you with is cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBTi) and imagery rehearsal therapy for nightmares have been effective for adolescents. Although suicide attempts can be difficult to predict, parents should watch for warning signs, including extreme mood swings, hopelessness, or loss of interest in activities. Open conversations about mental health and professional support can make a significant difference.