A study has found that children who experience emotional abuse are more likely to suffer with insomnia and alcohol dependency in adulthood. Child maltreatment and abuse comes in all shapes and sizes, and it is something that a lot of children experience across the country and the world.While it would be a wonderful world if children did not have to experience any form of maltreatment, that is not the world that we live in. That means that work has to go into helping children get out of these situations and what help they may need for the rest of their lives, in regard to both their physical health and mental health.According to PsyPost, children who have suffered from emotional abuse may be at greater risk for insomnia and alcohol dependency when an adult. This study was published in the journal, Addictive Behaviors Reports, and can be read in full here.The study observed children who had suffered with emotional abuse, and they found that they were more likely to suffer with insomnia in later life. This insomnia is what led them to alcohol dependency, so it is seen as a ripple effect.It is not uncommon for individuals who have suffered trauma to have sleep problems and there is a lot that goes into it from a biological standpoint. Since they already know that insomnia might influence people to excessively consume alcohol, the researchers wanted to see if insomnia caused by childhood trauma would illicit the same response.The findings of their study showed that making sure to address and treat those who have childhood trauma to prevent this from happening in later life. To complete their study, they looked at 941 University students. The students were asked to fill out a questionnaire that asked them about childhood trauma and any indications of maltreatment.
They also looked at the amount of supportive family members, insomnia, and problems with alcohol. They then assessed the answers they had received, and they found that those who were victims of emotional abuse were more likely to suffer with insomnia and alcohol related problems.
The research team said that there may be impaired control in those with a history of emotional abuse and that is a factor when it comes to insomnia and alcohol intake. It is important to realize that abuse comes in many forms, and they are all just as damaging and need attention.
Sources: PsyPost, Science Direct