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Sleep disturbances in children are often dismissed as part of their natural growth, with the assumption that these issues will resolve over time. However, a recent study reveals that sleep disturbances in children are much more serious than previously thought. Conducted by the Stanford Suicide Prevention Research Laboratory in California, the study suggests that children as young as 10 years old experiencing sleep problems are at 2.7 times greater risk of developing suicidal thoughts or attempting suicide within two years.
The study, led by suicidologist Dr Rebecca Bernert, found that at least one in three participants with sleep disturbances later exhibited suicidal behaviour. In an interview with CNN, Dr Bernert emphasized that sleep should not be overlooked as a risk factor for youth suicides. She urged people to take these issues seriously and treat them accordingly, rather than stigmatizing them, to prevent tragic outcomes.
Suicide: A Leading Cause of Death in Young Adolescents
The study highlights the alarming fact that suicide is one of the leading causes of death among children aged 10 to 14. This same age group frequently reported experiencing sleep disturbances. The research involved a large cohort of 8,800 children recruited by the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study across 21 sites in the United States. Factors observed included difficulty falling asleep, waking up frequently, excessive sleepiness, sleep-disordered breathing, excessive sweating during sleep, and unusual behaviour during half-sleep, all monitored by the children’s guardians.
Other Contributing Factors to Suicidal Behaviour
Although the majority of the participants—91.3 per cent—did not experience suicidal tendencies, those who did were found to suffer from more severe sleep disturbances. The study also identified other contributing factors, such as depression, anxiety, and family history of mental health issues, which further increased the risk of suicidal thoughts and attempts. Children of colour and female adolescents were observed to be particularly vulnerable.
One of the study’s most startling findings was the link between frequent nightmares and a heightened risk of suicide. Children who reported having nightmares daily were found to have five times the risk of developing suicidal tendencies.
This research shows that by treating sleep disorders early and providing appropriate mental health support, the risk of suicide among vulnerable children can be significantly reduced.
Impact of nightmares on children’s mental health
Increased Anxiety and Fear: Nightmares can lead to heightened anxiety and fear in children. Frequent disturbing dreams make children more apprehensive about bedtime, causing them to develop sleep aversion and night-time fears.
Sleep Disturbances: Constant nightmares disrupt a child’s sleep pattern, leading to issues like insomnia, trouble falling asleep, or waking up in the middle of the night. This ongoing sleep disruption can further exacerbate mental health problems.
Development of Depression: Research shows that children who experience frequent nightmares are at a higher risk of developing symptoms of depression. The emotional stress from bad dreams can negatively affect their mood, making them feel hopeless or withdrawn.
Elevated Risk of Suicidal Ideation: A study by Stanford Suicide Prevention Research Laboratory found that children who suffer from nightmares regularly have a significantly higher risk of developing suicidal thoughts or tendencies. Daily nightmares were linked to a fivefold increase in suicidal ideation.
Impaired Cognitive and Emotional Functioning: Lack of restful sleep due to nightmares can affect a child’s brain development, causing impaired concentration, memory issues, and difficulty processing emotions. This can lead to behavioural problems and social isolation, further impacting their mental well-being.