There is no denying that sleep is a crucial part of your wellbeing and not getting adequate sleep can cause a cascading avalanche of health problems. From weight gain to increasing the risk of diabetes, lack of sleep can cause serious health problems. However, did you know that a lack of sleep can even change your behavior and stress coping abilities?
According to Iowa State University research, there is a link between anger and sleep loss. The study involved two test groups: one with a normal sleep routine and one with a restricted routine that limited the number of hours they could sleep. To test for anger, the study used noise to create uncomfortable conditions and kept track of signs of anger or irritation. The study found that the sleep-restricted group showed anger substantially more often than the control group.
Humans get used to things in their environment that are irritating or stressful. For example, an uncomfortable sweater or an annoying coworker seems less irritating after a while because we learn to tune these things out on an ordinary basis. The Iowa State study found the reverse to be true in individuals who did not get adequate sleep. Instead of tuning out irritating factors in the environment, sleep-deprived individuals feel angrier because they lose the ability to tune these factors out.
It essentially becomes difficult for sleep-deprived individuals to adapt to stressful or irritating situations, which makes mildly irritating situations seem a lot more problematic. The study found that not only did sleep deprivation make these individuals angrier, it also reversed their ability to adapt to stress. This means that people who previously tuned out irritating factors could lose that ability once they become sleep deprived. Situations that were manageable could make them angrier than they usually would be.
While previous studies have found that lack of adequate sleep raises negative emotions like anxiety and sadness while depressing positive emotions like happiness and enthusiasm, this study specifically highlights the link between anger, stress coping abilities, and sleep.
How Much Sleep Is Adequate?
In order to remain healthy, it’s essential that we get adequate sleep. The amount of sleep you need to thrive depends on your age. Children ranging from ages 1 to 5 typically need about 14 hours of sleep, while school-aged children need about 11. Adults should get about 8 hours of sleep a night. Missing a couple of hours of sleep a night can have negative effects on your health without you even noticing. If you feel angrier or more irritated than you do when you sleep well, lack of adequate sleep may be the reason why.
Sleep Disorder Diagnosis and Treatment in Irmo, SC
Sleep deprivation may be happening because of lifestyle choices or an underlying issue that is causing you to sleep less. If you suspect that you aren’t getting enough quality sleep, it’s essential you see a physician to find the underlying cause and seek treatment.
The compassionate health care providers at SC Internal Medicine Associates & Rehabilitation provide diagnoses and treatments for sleep disorders in patients of all ages, including children. Call SC Internal Medicine Associates & Rehabilitation at (803) 749-1111 today to make an appointment or request an appointment now.
