The Role of Sleep in Interpersonal Conflict

Do Sleepless Nights Mean Worse Fights

Bibliographic Data

ID21208511
AuthorsAmie M Gordon (0000-0001-9232-3672, University of California, Berkeley, corresponding author), Serena Chen (0009-0002-7146-3494, University of California, Berkeley)
Year2014
Volume5
Issue2
Pages168-175
Publication date2014-03-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueSocial Psychological and Personality Science (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1948-5506 • E-ISSN: 1948-5514
PublisherSAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/1948550613488952
OpenAlexW2121929536
LanguageEN
Citations received37
References cited38

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

Anxiety · Conflict resolution · Developmental psychology · Interpersonal communication · Interpersonal interaction · Interpersonal relationship · Psychiatry · Attachment and Relationship Dynamics · Behavioral Health and Interventions · Psychology · Sleep and Wakefulness Research · Social Psychology

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