Reasons for living and sleeping patterns among youths. A further contribution to suicide prevention.

Study Objectives Sleep problems are common both in the general population and in psychiatric patients, reducing quality of life, well-being and work abilities with huge economic consequences. The aim of the study was to investigate the association between sleep patterns, depression and reasons for living in a non-clinical sample of Italian young adults attending university. Design and Setting A questionnaire study of university students was conducted at the Sapienza University of Rome during the academic year 2003-2004. Participants were contacted in their departments during the regular academic year. Participants A total of 300 university students (133 men and 167 women), mean age 23.3 (SD=3.0), participated in the study. Measurements Respondents completed the Reasons for Living Inventory, the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale, the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index, and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Results A significant negative correlation between reasons for living and sleep quality was observed whereas there was positive correlation between reason for living and daytime somnolence. Two regression analysis confirmed that sleep quality and daily somnolence were significant predictors of depression, but not directly of reasons for living. Gender differences were also observed. Conclusion Sleep disturbances are prevalent in this population, and subjects who are depressed and who have sleep disorders (both sleep quality and daytime somnolence) have fewer reasons for living and are potentially at higher risk for suicide.