SLEEP AND THE PROBLEM OF SUICIDE IN QUÉBEC ADOLESCENTS: WHAT ARE THE LINKS?
After various kinds of motor vehicle accidents, suicide is the second most important cause of mortality in Québec adolescents aged 15 to 19. An increasing number of studies indicate that, as well as raising alarm signals, sleep problems in young people may be contributing to the problem of youth suicide. This article presents a profile of suicide among Québec adolescents, quantifies young people’s sleep requirements, and examines two of the most common sleep problems in this population: that is, insomnia and delayed sleep phase syndrome. It then describes the causes and consequences of these sleep difficulties, and explores the links between the latter and the problem of suicide. Finally, the article makes several recommendations for young people, their parents, professionals and institutions.