Suicidality in Autistic Adolescents and Adults: Sleep the Unexplored Connection?

Abstract

Despite substantial evidence linking insomnia with increased suicidality in non-autistic populations, its role in autism remains under-explored. Poor sleep, most commonly insomnia symptoms (hereafter insomnia), is a significant issue in autism, affecting up to 80% of autistic children and adults, compared with 30%-50% of children and about 45% of adults in the general population. Sleep, along with quality of life, anxiety, depression, and social well-being, is a top mental health research priority for autistic adults. These factors are all significantly associated with insomnia in both autistic and non-autistic individuals. Current findings highlight the association between depression, psychosocial factors, and suicidality in autistic individuals. Key factors in suicidality for autistic people include increased autistic traits, loneliness, lack of social support, and experiences such as camouflaging and burnout. What is under-explored is the role of sleep in suicidality and mental health in autism. Effective psychological interventions for insomnia in autistic individuals are lacking, and there is limited understanding of whether treating insomnia can reduce suicidality. Only two pilot studies have investigated insomnia treatments for autistic adults. In this commentary, we argue that, given the high rate of suicidality in autism and the potential role of insomnia, it is crucial to investigate whether insomnia contributes to suicidality in autistic people and if addressing sleep through prevention strategies, supports, and interventions improves outcomes. Collaboration with the autistic community is essential for addressing this knowledge gap and developing effective interventions.