Untreated Insomnia in Corrections and Increased Risk of Death

Abstract

Study Objectives

This review discusses the potential negative consequences of untreated insomnia in correctional settings.

Methods

A literature review was conducted on the association between insomnia and negative health outcomes, the best practices for treating insomnia with and without medications, and common practices that prohibit the treatment of insomnia in correctional settings.

Results

Untreated insomnia was associated with increased psychiatric distress, increased risk for suicide, and increased all-cause mortality. Common practices in many correctional institutions impose restrictions on treating insomnia. These practices lead to an increased likelihood for negative health outcomes, including suicide and an increase in all-cause death.

Conclusions

Practices that prohibit the treatment of sleep in correctional settings increase the risk of death by suicide and other adverse health outcomes. The practices are often put in place due to pressure from the security staff who have trouble controlling the black-market trade of prescribed medications and other contraband within jails and prisons. Healthcare professionals in the correctional setting must advocate for the importance of treating sleep problems in jails and prisons and work with security staff on ways to overcome the problems of pill diversion and the trade of contraband in order to provide quality healthcare to this protected population.