Insomnia sufferers are far more likely to commit murder.
Sleep deprived people are more likely to murder
US researchers have found that sleep-deprived people are eight times more likely to commit homicide at 2am in an alarming link between the two behaviours.
Experts say that people who suffer from broken sleep are emotionally "vulnerable" and more likely to be violent towards others.
They argue that staying awake at night harms the brain's decision-making functions and reduces rational thinking at a time when negative moods are at their "peak".
Dr. Andrew Tubbs, co-author of the study and an expert in sleep and circadian rhythms in mental illness at the University of Arizona, said: "Disrupted sleep may acutely impair rational thought, which can drive impulsive behaviours in vulnerable individuals."
He added: "Few studies have examined time-of-day trends in violent crime.
"Future studies could clarify what exactly is happening in the brain to predispose people to these sorts of risks and whether evidence-based strategies to improve sleep and reduce nighttime wakefulness can help reduce the risks and prevent these tragic outcomes."
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