Myth: Insomnia is Not a Risk Factor for Suicide Attempts

Truth: Insomnia is a Significant Risk Factor

It is a misconception that insomnia does not contribute to suicide attempts. In fact, approximately 800,000 individuals die by suicide worldwide each year, highlighting the severity of this issue. Insomnia, characterized by difficulty in falling or staying asleep, has been linked to an increased risk of suicide attempts, particularly among young adults.

Study Findings on Insomnia and Suicide

A study featured in the BMC Psychiatry journal investigated the connection between insomnia and suicide. Conducted in Taiwan, the research focused on inpatients aged 15 and older who were newly diagnosed with insomnia. The findings revealed that insomnia is indeed a risk factor for suicide attempts, even when accounting for other variables such as mental health disorders and substance dependence.

Further Reading

For a comprehensive understanding of the study, refer to the following publication:
Lin, H. T., Lai, C. H., Perng, H. J., Chung, C. H., Wang, C. C., Chen, W. L., & Chien, W. C. (2018). Insomnia as an independent predictor of suicide attempts: A nationwide population-based retrospective cohort study. BMC Psychiatry, 18(1), 117. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-018-1702-2