UCSF

Background: Suicide presents a critical global issue, especially for youth and young adults aged15 - 29. In adolescents aged 14 to 18 years, suicide ranks as the third leading cause of death at a rate of 9.0 per 100,000, which poses significant prevention challenges. Research highlights suicidal ideation (SI) as a key predictor of future suicide attempts and completions in this age group. Inadequate sleep duration has recently emerged as a potential modifiable risk factor for both suicide and SI. Objectives: To study various factors related to SI, including sleep, individual characteristics, and family dynamics, and how they interconnect to affect SI among adolescents. To examine the associations between sleep as a primary predictor for SI. To evaluate the role of sleep, individual and family factors as protective or risk factors for SI. Methods: A systematic review was used to synthesize existing literature on the relationship between sleep duration, quality, satisfaction, and SI among adolescents. Additionally, the study utilized data from the California Health Interview Survey (CHIS 2017 and 2018) to investigate the intricate connections between suicidal ideation (SI), sleep duration, various demographic and psychological variables of individuals, and the impact of family dynamics on adolescents aged 12 to 17 years. Results: The systematic review found that there was a significant correlation between insufficient sleep duration, low sleep quality, and low sleep satisfaction and an increased risk of SI. Additionally, younger age and being female were individual factors that contributed to an increased risk of SI. Furthermore, socio-economic status, family structure, and family function were family variables that also elevated the risk of SI. The results from the CHIS secondary analysis demonstrated that sleeping <8 hours per weekday night significantly increased the risk of SI in this sample. Individual psychological factors, such as depression and hopelessness, were identified as major risk factors for SI. The factor adult belief in an adolescent’s potential for success in the future emerged as a protective factor against SI. Conclusions: This study highlights the multifaceted nature of factors influencing SI among adolescents, emphasizing the importance of sleep, individual psychological health, and family environment. The findings advocate for a holistic approach to adolescent mental health care, underscoring the need for interventions that concurrently address sleep patterns, psychological distress, and familial support. These insights provide valuable guidance for clinicians and policymakers in developing effective strategies to mitigate SI risks in adolescents.