Does losing sleep make you grumpy? You are not alone.
Awakenings Are as Troublesome as Short Sleep Time:
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have found that numerous awakenings during the night can have just as much impact on mood as being allowed to sleep only a short time.
The scientists randomly assigned 62 women and men to three different sleep conditions: they were awakened eight times during the night; they were kept up way past their bedtimes; or they were allowed a normal night’s sleep.
Effects on Mood:
The following day, they participated in psychological testing that showed both forms of sleep deprivation increased negative mood. Interruptions were especially damaging to positive emotions. People who had repeated awakenings had less energy, but also felt less friendly and sympathetic to others.
These findings are worrisome because so many people are subject to interrupted sleep: new parents come immediately to mind, but there are also many people who need to rise several times during the night to urinate. And, of course, their bed partners. Both people sharing a bed may also suffer from restless legs syndrome-one person from kicking and tossing all night long, and the other from the multiple awakenings.
