Objective: This study aimed to investigate the correlation of subjective sleep disorders with suicidal ideation in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD).

Methods: The study included 60 patients attending at University of Health Sciences Turkey, Prof. Dr. Cemil Taşçıoğlu City Hospital, Clinic of Psychiatry with diagnosis of MDD according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-V diagnostic criteria. Cases completed a sociodemographic data form, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Suicidal Ideation scale (SIS), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).

Results: Correlation analysis identified positive significant correlations between number of disease attacks with PSQI and SIS points. Positive significant correlations were found between SIS total points and PSQI-1, PSQI-5, PSQI-6, PSQI-T, and BDI points. Regression analysis identified that PSQI-5 and PSQI-T points were each a predictor for SIS values.

Conclusion: Data obtained in this study confirmed that sleep disorders may have an effect on suicidal thoughts among MDD cases.