Sleep-deprived people are more likely to commit murder or take their own lives, controversial research suggests.
American researchers, who tracked more than 100,000 Americans over 15 years, found a worrying link between the behaviors.
People were eight times more likely to commit homicide at 2 a.m. The risk of suicide also increased fivefold at 3 a.m.
Experts argued that people who suffered from sleep disorders were emotionally “vulnerable” and more likely to lash out at others.
They believe this is because staying awake at night disrupts the brain’s decision-making functions and reduces rational thinking during a time when negative mood is “at its peak.”
American researchers, who tracked more than 100,000 Americans over 15 years, found a worrying link between the behaviors. People were eight times more likely to commit homicide at 2 a.m. on average. The risk of suicide also increased fivefold at 3 a.m.
Lack of sleep can lead to obesity, memory loss, diabetes, heart disease, intense and unstable emotions, impaired learning ability, and a reduced immune response, leaving you vulnerable to disease.
Dr. Andrew Tubbs, an expert on sleep and circadian rhythms in mental illness at the University of Arizona and co-author of the study, said, “Sleep disruption can severely impair rational thinking, which can drive impulsive behaviors in vulnerable individuals.”
Experts have long claimed that our “always-on” lives contribute to sleep problems, as people find it impossible to disconnect from email and social media.
In addition to blaming technology for interfering with people’s sleep patterns, factors such as stress and anxiety are also often cited as reasons for poor sleep.
Researchers at the University of Arizona evaluated data on more than 78,000 suicides and 50,000 homicides in the U.S. between 2003 and 2017.
They tracked the average time the population spent awake. Factors that could bias the results were also taken into account.
The scientists also found that American youth between the ages of 15 and 24 experienced on average a three-fold increased risk of nighttime suicide.
Among older adults, the risk of suicide was highest at 6 a.m. However, the risk of homicide did not vary by age, the researchers said.
writing in the Journal of clinical psychiatryThey added: “The risk of suicide and homicide is higher at night than expected based on the number of people awake at that time.”
“Nocturnal risk was higher among young adults and those intoxicated with alcohol, but not among those with a history of suicidal ideation or attempts.”
Dr. Tubbs also said, “Few studies have examined trends in violent crime by time of day.
“Future studies could clarify what exactly happens in the brain to predispose people to these types of risks and whether evidence-based strategies to improve sleep and reduce nighttime wakefulness can help reduce risks and prevent these tragic outcomes.”
Figures suggest up to 14 million Britons could be suffering from insomnia without knowing it.
According to the American Sleep Association, nearly 70 million Americans also suffer from a sleep disorder.
It comes as concern has grown over the use of sleeping pills by Brits in recent years.
The latest NHS data shows the number of prescriptions for drugs such as Ambien (zolpidem) and zopiclone have barely changed over the past five years, despite calls to crack down on the distribution of powerful hypnotics.
Their advocates say they can be a lifesaver for those struggling with the agony of insomnia.
But they can be addictive and users may become increasingly dependent on them to fall asleep.
Worrying side effects have also been reported: one in 100 patients taking some hypnotics experiences strange “sleep-related behaviors.”
These can include sleepwalking or even having sex without being fully conscious.
- For confidential support, visit the Samaritans website or call the helpline on 08457 909090