New Study Links Sleep Issues in Teens to Increased Self-Harm

A recent study has revealed a significant connection between sleep problems experienced by teenagers at age 14 and self-harming behavior by age 17. Conducted by researchers from the University of Warwick, the findings underscore the long-term impact that sleep quality can have on adolescent mental health.

The study, published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, involved over 10,000 participants in the United Kingdom. At the age of 14, these teenagers reported on their sleep habits, including the duration of sleep on school nights, the time taken to fall asleep, and instances of waking during the night. They were also asked if they had engaged in self-harm. This same group was surveyed again three years later at age 17.

Researchers found that young people who experienced poor sleep, characterized by shorter sleep duration and more frequent awakenings, were significantly more likely to report self-harm both at ages 14 and 17. Notably, this correlation persisted even after accounting for various factors such as age, sex, socioeconomic status, past self-harm, self-esteem, and depression.

Nicole Tang, a clinical and health psychologist involved in the research, emphasized the gravity of self-harm among adolescents, stating, “Self-harm is one of the leading causes of death among adolescents and young adults.” She noted that fragmented sleep often aligns with suicidal thoughts and behaviors, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.

The study’s results also reflect broader public health concerns regarding sleep deficiency and self-harm among young people in Europe. A 2020 review indicated that only 32 percent of teenagers in Poland met sleep recommendations on school nights, compared to 86.3 percent in the Flemish region of Belgium. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends that adolescents aged 13 to 18 should aim for 8 to 10 hours of sleep each night.

Despite the strong correlation identified in the study, the precise reasons behind the link between sleep problems and self-harm remain unclear. Researchers explored the possibility that poor sleep could impair decision-making abilities, increasing the risk of self-harm, but found no conclusive evidence to support this theory.

Researchers noted the potential for intervention, with Michaela Pawley, another author of the study, suggesting, “While this is clearly an unfavorable relationship, we can actually do something about it.” She emphasized that improving sleep quality among teenagers could reduce the incidence of self-harm and promote long-term mental health benefits.

The findings advocate for enhanced awareness and interventions in both schools and homes to address sleep issues among adolescents. As the study highlights the importance of sleep as a “modifiable risk factor,” there is hope that targeted efforts can help mitigate the risk of self-harm in this vulnerable age group.

For those struggling with thoughts of self-harm or suicide, it is crucial to seek help. Resources such as Befrienders Worldwide offer support through helplines available in 32 countries. More information is available at befrienders.org.