Sleep Disturbances Linked to Suicidality in Depressed Individuals

Strategic Insights -

Research published in the Journal of Sleep Research has found a strong association between sleep disturbances and suicidality in depressed individuals. According to the study, conducted by the Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (IRCCS) San Raffaele Scientific Institute in Milan, Italy, polysomnographic features of depressed suicidal and non-suicidal subjects were compared. The study found that wake after sleep onset was significantly different in the two subsamples, with higher wake after sleep onset in subjects with suicidal ideation. Additionally, mean length of awakenings was higher in the suicidal ideation group, and nocturnal wakefulness was higher in subjects with suicidal ideation.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study involved 44 hospitalized subjects with a major depressive episode, either unipolar or bipolar, who underwent polysomnography upon admission to a psychiatric ward.
  • Suicidal ideation was present in 47.7% of subjects (N = 21), and wake after sleep onset was significantly different in the two subsamples (p = 0.047), with higher wake after sleep onset in subjects with suicidal ideation.
  • The length of awakenings was higher in the suicidal ideation group, and polysomnographic features of subjects with and without suicidal thoughts were statistically compared.
  • The study found that sleep disturbances play a key role in suicidality, with nocturnal wakefulness being a significant factor.
  • The research concluded that the length of awakenings may be a powerful marker of suicidality.
  • The study's findings have important implications for the diagnosis and treatment of depression and suicidality.

Statistics:

  • 44 subjects were included in the study, all of whom were hospitalized for a major depressive episode.
  • Suicidal ideation was present in 47.7% of subjects (N = 21).
  • Mean length of awakenings was higher in the suicidal ideation group (15.37 vs. 7.44 min; p = 0.009).
  • Wake after sleep onset was significantly different in the two subsamples (p = 0.047), with higher wake after sleep onset in subjects with suicidal ideation.
  • Nocturnal wakefulness was higher in subjects with suicidal ideation, with PSG evaluating nocturnal wakefulness at 18.6% in the suicidal ideation group and 14.9% in the non-suicidal ideation group.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (IRCCS) San Raffaele Scientific Institute Reports Findings in Health and Medicine (Nocturnal Wakefulness Is Associated With Suicidality in Depressed Inpatients: A Polysomnographic Study). Psychology & Psychiatry Journal. July 26, 2025; p 185.
  • Journal of Sleep Research. Nocturnal Wakefulness Is Associated With Suicidality in Depressed Inpatients: A Polysomnographic Study. 2025.
  • Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (IRCCS) San Raffaele Scientific Institute. Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Mood Disorders Unit. Milan, Italy.