Randomized trial evaluating the efficacy of a brief behavioral insomnia intervention for suicidal ideation, sleep disturbances, mood and stress among returning veterans and service members.

The link between suicide and depression has long been recognized. Most people who think about or attempt suicide have suffered from depression before they reached that point. Similarly, recent research has shown a link between suicidal behaviors and poor sleep quality. Those with suicidal thoughts appear to be at greater risk for sleep disturbances, including insomnia symptoms, poor sleep quality, and nightmares. Studies indicate that such sleep problems are a warning sign of suicide, and may increase risk that a person will engage in a suicidal act. If so, then a natural question to ask is whether improving overall sleep quality could improve depression and therapeutically impact suicide prevention. This study builds on research showing that sleep-focused treatments help to ameliorate depression in addition to lessening sleep disturbances.

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