Hysing, M., Sivertsen, B., Stormark, K. M., & O'Connor, R. C. (2015). Sleep problems and self-harm in adolescence. The British Journal of Psychiatry, 207(4), 306-12.

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Abstract

Backgrond

Although self-harm and sleep problems are major public health problems in adolescence, detailed epidemiological assessment is essential to understand the nature of this relationship.

Aims

To conduct a detailed assessment of the relationship between sleep and self-harm in adolescence.

Method

A large population-based study in Norway surveyed 10 220 adolescents aged 16-19 years on mental health, including a comprehensive assessment of sleep and self-harm.

Results

Adolescents with sleep problems were significantly more likely to report self-harm than those without sleep problems. Insomnia, short sleep duration, long sleep onset latency, wake after sleep on set as well as large differences between weekdays versus weekends, yielded higher odds of self-harm consistent with a dose-response relationship. Depressive symptoms accounted for some, but not all, of this association.

Conclusions

The findings highlight a strong relationship between sleep problems and self-harm. Interventions to reduce adolescent self-harm ought to incorporate sleep problems as a treatment target.

MeSH Terms
    Adolescent
    Depression
    Female
    Humans
    Logistic Models
    Male
    Norway/epidemiology
    Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
    Risk Factors
    Self-Injurious Behavior/epidemiology*
    Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders/epidemiology*
    Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders/psychology*
    Sleep Wake Disorders/epidemiology*
    Sleep Wake Disorders/psychology*
    Surveys and Questionnaires