The Role of Sleep in Interpersonal Conflict: Do Sleepless Nights Mean Worse Fights?. (March 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gordon, Amie M.; Chen, Serena
• Is Part Of: Social psychological & personality science. Volume 5:Number 2(2014:Mar.)
• Page Start: 168
• Page End: 175
• Publication Date: 2014-03
• Subjects: interpersonal conflict -- sleep -- close relationships -- empathic accuracy -- affect; Personality -- Periodicals; Social psychology -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 155.2
• DOI: 10.1177/1948550613488952
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1948-5506

Abstract

This research examined the impact of a basic biological process—namely, sleep—on relationship conflict, specifically testing whether poor sleep influences the degree, nature, and resolution of conflict. In Study 1, a 14-day daily experience study, participants reported more conflict in their romantic relationships following poor nights of sleep. In Study 2, we brought couples into the laboratory to assess the dyadic effects of sleep on the nature and resolution of conflict. One partner's poor sleep was associated with a lower ratio of positive to negative affect (self-reported and observed), as well as decreased empathic accuracy for both partners during a conflict conversation. Conflict resolution occurred most when both partners were well rested. Effects were not explained by stress, anxiety, depression, lack of relationship satisfaction, or by partners being the source of poor sleep. Overall, these findings highlight a key factor that may breed conflict, thereby putting relationships at risk.