Sleep Disturbance and its Association with Suicidal Ideation in Veterans

Abstract

Suicide is a major public health focus with increasing importance among veterans. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and alcohol use are associated with increased rates of suicidal thoughts, with some indications that suicide is also linked to sleep disturbance. The current study examined the association of sleep disturbance with suicidal ideation (SI) among 654 veterans. Logistic regression revealed that after controlling for age, alcohol dependence, depression, and PTSD, sleep disturbance remained associated with SI. In this sample of veterans, the relationship of sleep disturbance to SI does not appear to be solely attributable to comorbid factors. Identification of sleep difficulties may aid in the early detection of SI, allowing for intervention prior to symptom escalation.

Keywords:

• Sleep
• sleep disturbances
• suicide
• suicidal ideation
• depression
• alcohol dependence
• primary care
• veterans
• post-traumatic stress disorder
• telehealth

Acknowledgments

This article is not subject to US copyright law.