Behavioral sleep interventions to reduce suicide risk: Existing research and future avenues
摘要
In the present paper, we examine how sleep interventions may serve as a form of suicide prevention. In particular, we provide a focused narrative review on the use of behavioral sleep interventions to address suicide-related outcomes. Beyond reviewing existing research, we also explore worthwhile future avenues for research related to the use of behavioral sleep interventions to reduce suicide risk.
Recent FindingsTo date, twelve studies have examined the role of behavioral sleep interventions to reduce suicide risk. The majority of studies in which the efficacy of a behavioral sleep interventions to reducing suicide risk was studied focused on cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia. The efficacy of these interventions varied: six studies detected significant reductions in suicidal ideation (medium or large effect sizes), two studies had short-lasting effects or small effect sizes, and four studies found no effect.
SummaryResearch on the use of behavioral sleep interventions to reduce suicide risk is currently in its nascency, underscoring the need for further research on this topic. Such areas for future research include examining the impact on outcomes beyond ideation, such as attempts, utilizing prevention, as well as utilizing actigraphy and ecological momentary assessment to measure outcomes.