NEW research suggests that obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) may significantly increase the risk of suicidal ideation, planning, and attempts.
A large-scale population study from South Korea has found a strong link between moderate to high risk obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and suicidal behaviours, including ideation, planning, and attempts. Using data from 11,917 adults aged 40 and older in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2019–2020), researchers assessed OSA risk through the STOP-Bang questionnaire, a widely used screening tool for sleep apnoea.
The findings, published in The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, showed that individuals at intermediate-high risk for OSA (STOP-Bang score ≥3) were significantly more likely to report poor health, stress, reduced sleep time, depression, and lower quality of life, all known risk factors for suicide.
Crucially, the study revealed that suicidal ideation, planning, and attempts were significantly higher among those at higher risk for OSA. After adjusting for potential confounders, individuals in the intermediate-high risk group had a 42% greater likelihood of suicidal ideation, a 21% higher risk of suicidal planning, and were more than three times as likely to attempt suicide compared to those at low risk.
The findings highlight the urgent need for sleep apnoea screening in mental health assessments, particularly for individuals experiencing depression and suicidal thoughts. Researchers emphasise that early detection and treatment of OSA could play a crucial role in suicide prevention efforts, improving both sleep quality and mental health outcomes.
Aleksandra Zurowska, EMJ
Reference
Han HC et al. Association Between Suicidal Behaviors and Obstructive Sleep Apnea Based on the STOP-Bang Questionnaire: A Nationwide Population-Based Study. J Clin Psychiatry. 2025;86(1):24m15345.
