Relationship between Sleep Problems and Self-Injury: A Systematic Review

Behav Sleep Med. 2021 Sep-Oct;19(5):689-704. doi: 10.1080/15402002.2020.1822360. Epub 2020 Sep 29.

Abstract

Objective/Background: Previous studies suggested that sleep problems were related to non-suicidal self-injury. The current systematic review investigated more thoroughly this relationship.Methods: PubMED and Embase databases were searched. The keywords were "self-injury" OR "self-harm" OR "non-suicidal self-injury" OR "self-injurious behavior" OR "self-destructive behavior" OR "self-mutilation" AND "sleep problem" OR "sleep disturbance" OR insomnia OR nightmare OR "poor sleep quality" or "sleep disorders." A total of 16 studies were included in the present review.Results: The pattern of results indicated that sleep problems such as short sleep duration, sleep disturbances, and poor sleep quality were associated with non-suicidal self-injury. Additionally, emotional dysregulation, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder appeared to mediate this relationship. Above all adolescents and young adults with sleep disruptions were at higher risk of non-suicidal self-injury.Conclusions:g Interventions to improve sleep quality and sleep duration might concomitantly decrease the risk of non-suicidal self-injury.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Depression / epidemiology
  • Dreams
  • Emotions
  • Humans
  • Risk Factors
  • Self-Injurious Behavior / epidemiology*
  • Sleep
  • Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders / epidemiology
  • Sleep Wake Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / epidemiology