Nearly 19% of suicides and 36% of homicides take place at night, according to a study published in the journal The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. “Disrupted sleep can seriously impair rational thinking, which can lead to impulsive behaviors in vulnerable individuals“, explains Andrew Tubbs, one of the authors, in a press release.
Suicide risks five times higher at night
Researchers from the department of psychiatry University of Arizona College of Medicine in Tucsonin the United States, highlight several factors to explain these figures, including age, alcohol consumption and relationship conflicts.
“Our analysis of fifteen years of data in the United States showed that there is a five times higher risk of suicide and an eight times higher risk of homicide between two and three a.m., taking into account the number of people awake and capable of suicide or homicide“, continues Andrew Tubbs. To achieve these results, the researchers studied data, collected over fifteen years, from more than 78,000 suicides and 50,000 homicides.
According to researchers, waking up at night impairs the brain’s complex decision-making functions and reduces rational thinking in favor of negative mood at its peak. Positive mood is at its lowest and the analysis of the risk/reward balance is distorted.
Determine predisposed people and improve their sleep
“Few studies have examined trends in violent crime by time of day, says Andrew Tubbs. Future work could better analyze what’s happening in the brain to identify people predisposed to these kinds of risks and see if strategies to improve sleep and reduce nighttime wakefulness can help reduce risks and prevent these tragic consequences.”
The researchers identified populations that were more at risk than others. These include adolescents, young adults, people who have consumed a lot of alcohol and those in conflict with their partners. 15-24 year olds had a three times higher risk of nocturnal suicide. The risk of homicide did not vary according to age.
However, researchers did not find an association between cannabis use or depression and these risks.
In the event of sleep problems, it is best to speak to a general practitioner who will be able to advise you on the best possible treatment.
