Sleep Deprivation Can Leave Partners Feeling Unappreciated [Study]

A new study has found that poor sleep can wreak havoc on relationships.

Researchers from the University of California, Berkeley, found that sleep deprivation can leave a partner “too tired to say thanks,” making the other partner feel unappreciated.

“A plethora of research highlights the importance of getting a good night’s sleep for physical and psychological well-being, yet in our society, people still seem to take pride in needing and getting, little sleep,” Amie Gordon, lead investigator of the study, said.

“Poor sleep may make us more selfish as we prioritize our own needs over our partner’s,” Gordon said. “You may have slept like a baby, but if your partner didn’t, you’ll probably both end up grouchy.”

The researchers also found that factors such as snoring and sheet-tugging can adversely affect relationships.

According to Medical Daily, Gordon and her team recruited over 60 couples, ages 18 to 56, for the study. The couples kept a diary of their sleep patterns and feelings toward their partner. In a different experiment, the couples were videotaped while completing a problem-solving task. Participants who slept poorly were less appreciative toward their partner, while those who slept well worked better together and were more appreciative.

As we have previously reported, a study presented at a meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies found that when wives slept poorly, they had more negative interactions with their spouse the next day. However, the husbands’ sleep did not affect their interactions.

Gordon presented the findings January 19 at the annual meeting of the Society for Personality and Social Psychologists in New Orleans. She suggested that couples remember to say thank you and show appreciation for their partner.