The link between suicide and insomnia: theoretical mechanisms

Abstract

Insomnia has been established as a risk factor for depression and mental illness for decades, but a growing body of evidence has recently exposed insomnia to be an independent risk factor for suicide that encompasses all age ranges. This discovery has invigorated investigation to elucidate the relationship between insomnia and suicide, and over 20 studies reinforcing this association in adults have been published since 2010 alone. This article analyzes relevant research and emphasizes studies published within the last three years with the intent of proposing theoretical mechanisms explaining the link between suicide and insomnia. These mechanisms may then be used as targets for future investigation of treatment.

Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest: Carmen G. Black declares that she has no conflict of interest.

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Figure 1. The Link between Insomnia and Suicide: Theoretical Mechanisms Schematic

*Dysfunctional Beliefs and Attitudes about Sleep