Nightmares and Nonsuicidal Self-Injury: The Mediating Role of Emotional Dysregulation

Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a transdiagnostic behavior associated with significant psychopathology. Research has shown a positive association between sleep disturbances, (e.g., nightmares and insomnia), and suicidal behavior, however, the relation between NSSI and sleep disturbances has yet to be examined. Sleep disturbances have been found to have a causal role in problems with emotional dysfunction. Specifically, sleep disturbances inhibit the emotion processing function of sleep. Importantly, a majority of individuals engage in NSSI to regulate intense emotions, and it is possible that sleep disturbances increase propensity for NSSI by contributing to dysregulated emotions.

Source: Comprehensive Psychiatry - April 17, 2017 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Chelsea R. Ennis, Nicole A. Short, Allison J. Moltisanti, Caitlin E. Smith, Thomas E. Joiner, Jeanette Taylor Source Type: research