Effects of Sleep Issues on Suicidal Ideation in a Military Sample: The Mediating Role of Mental Health

ABSTRACT

The goal of this study was to examine the relationship between sleep issues, mental health (perceived stress, posttraumatic stress disorder [PTSD] symptoms, and depressive symptoms), and suicidal ideation (SI) in a sample of military service members (N = 891) using mediation analyses. Sleep issues were related to SI, stress, PTSD, and depressive symptoms. PTSD, perceived stress, and depressive symptoms mediated the relationship between sleep issues and SI; after accounting for mental health symptoms, sleep no longer had a direct effect on SI. The findings suggest that sleep issues may operate as a risk factor for mental health issues and SI.

KEYWORDS:

• Sleep issues
• suicidal ideation
• PTSD
• depression
• stress
• active duty
• military
• mediation
• mental health
• United States Army

Additional information

Funding

All research was conducted at RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709. Funding for this research was provided by USAMRMC Grant No. W81XWH-12-2-0039.