Sleep deprivation is more than just feeling tired; it can have a serious impact on our emotions and mental health. A recent study published by the American Psychological Association has found that lack of sleep can decrease positive moods, increase anxiety symptoms, and put us at a higher risk for emotional distress.

The study, conducted by researchers from Montana State University and East Anglia University, analyzed data from over 150 studies spanning five decades. These studies involved over 5,700 participants whose sleep was intentionally disrupted for one or more nights. The researchers found that all types of sleep loss, whether it was staying awake for an extended period, getting less sleep than usual, or being awakened during the night, had a negative impact on emotions.

Participants who experienced sleep loss reported fewer positive emotions like joy and happiness, as well as increased anxiety symptoms such as a rapid heart rate and excessive worrying. Interestingly, even short periods of sleep loss, like staying up a bit later than usual or losing just a few hours of sleep, had a significant effect on emotions. The study also found that sleep loss could dampen people’s response to emotional stimuli.

While the study, published in the journal Psychological Bulletin, did not find consistent effects on symptoms of depression or negative emotions like sadness and stress, it did highlight the need for further research. The majority of participants in the study were young adults, so future studies should include a more diverse age range to better understand how sleep deprivation affects people of different ages. Additionally, researchers should explore the effects of multiple nights of sleep loss, individual differences in vulnerability to sleep loss, and cultural variations in sleep deprivation effects.

The implications of this research are significant in a society where many people do not get enough sleep. It is estimated that more than 30 percent of adults and up to 90 percent of teenagers suffer from sleep deprivation. Industries and professions that are prone to sleep loss, such as first responders, pilots, and truck drivers, should prioritize sleep in their policies to ensure the well-being and daytime functioning of their workers.