Woman fast asleep with alarm clock. (Photo by: Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
Health - Wellness
How Sleep Loss Might Impact Social Interactions
By ERIN MARIE
The lack of sleep does not only cause harm to the body physically, but also impacts your mental health, including social interactions. Science shows that sleep quality and social interactions are closely intertwined, and lacking social relationships has been associated with an increased risk for heart disease and eventual dementia.
A 2018 two-part study published in Nature Communications found that a poor night's rest increases one's feelings of loneliness. Dr. David Ludden's additional studies show an escalation in interpersonal conflict between partners following a poor night's sleep, and people with less sleep are likely to misinterpret expressions of happiness and anger.
Due to the adverse effects that social isolation can have on physical and mental well-being, UC Berkeley's Matthew Walker believes loneliness to be a public health crisis. However, Walker elaborates, “On a positive note, just one night of good sleep makes you feel more outgoing and socially confident, and will attract others to you."