Disrupted Sleep in Teens Linked to Higher Suicide Risk, Study Finds

Teenagers who struggle with disrupted sleep may face a higher risk of suicide later in life, according to new research from the University of Warwick. The study shows that sleep problems during early adolescence can have serious long-term effects. Researchers found that poor sleep is not just a side effect of stress or mental health struggles—it is a significant risk factor on its own.

Sleep and Suicide Risk

The study, published in Sleep Advances, analyzed data from over 8,500 young people. Those who attempted suicide at age 17 were more likely to have experienced shorter sleep and frequent night awakenings at age 14. These findings remained strong even after considering other risks such as mental health issues, past self-harm, and family background.
Michaela Pawley, a PhD candidate at the University of Warwick, explained that adolescence is a key time for both sleep problems and mental health challenges. She said addressing sleep difficulties early could play a vital role in preventing suicide. In addition, teenagers who showed better decision-making skills were somewhat protected against the impact of sleep problems, though this protection faded with ongoing sleep disruption.

Importance of Early Intervention

Senior author Professor Nicole Tang emphasized that sleep deprivation can weaken emotional resilience and decision-making. She noted that improving teen sleep habits might reduce the number of suicide attempts. While more research is needed to understand the exact pathways, the study suggests that helping teens get more consistent and restful sleep could make a life-saving difference