In the Depths of Night: Exploring Suicide Ideation among Nursing University Students through Sleep Quality and Irrational Thoughts

Abstract Background Suicide is one of the main preventable causes of mortality. Suicide Ideation through sleep quality issues and irrational thoughts represents a public health concern among university students who are a particularly high-risk group. Recognizing the connection between suicidal thoughts, sleep quality, and irrational thinking is vital. Sleep disturbances can significantly amplify irrational thoughts, which subsequently can deepen suicidal ideation. This creates a dangerous cycle that increases psychological vulnerability. This study aimed to assess suicide ideation among nursing university students through sleep quality and irrational thoughts. Method A correlational research design was employed, using a stratified sample of 370 participants from Cairo and Zagazig universities in Egypt. Four tools included the Personal Data Questionnaire, the Suicidal Ideation Attributes Scale (SIDAS), the Irrational Beliefs Inventory (IBI), and the Sleep Quality Scale (SQS). Results The results indicated that 41.2% of the sample under study were between the ages of 19 and 20, with a mean age of 19.7 ± 1.5 years, and 55.7% of the sample consisted of females. 78.1% of the sample exhibited moderate levels of irrational thinking, compared to 17.4% who had high levels and 82.6% who had moderate levels of suicidal thoughts. Additionally, 42.7% and 1.8% of participants, respectively, experienced moderate and severe sleep quality issues, while 55.4% of participants reported light sleep problems. There was a statistically significant correlation between nursing students' suicidal ideation and their irrational thoughts and sleep quality (P < 0.008, P < 0.04). Furthermore, there was no significant correlation (P < 0.17) between irrational thoughts and sleep quality. Conclusions This study indicates that most nursing students exhibited a moderate degree of suicidal ideation and irrational thoughts. Moreover, 55.4% of subjects experienced mild sleep quality issues. The findings indicate that a statistically significant correlation between suicide ideation and both irrational thoughts and sleep quality among nursing students. Hence, it is more crucial to encourage initiatives focused on mental health awareness and cognitive restructuring programs.