The overall mood of spouses can affect the quality of their marital relationship. Studies suggest that one activity that impacts the mood of individuals is the quantity and quality of their sleep. A 1997 cummulative sleepiness study was conducted by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania’s Department of Psychiatry. The study revealed that sleep deprivation contributed to tension and stress that adversely affected the mood of the participants.
A recent January, 2013 sleep study, conducted at UC Berkeley by psychologist Amie Gordon and Serena Chen, provided additional support that insufficient sleep can promote grouchiness and impair spousal relationships because overtiredness made spouses less attuned to the needs of their partner. Additionally, Mark Gluck is conducting ongoing research at Rutgers University that is expected to provide additional insight about how the quality of sleep affects mood.
Are you overtired and suffering from a depressed mood that is disrupting your ability to have a healthy relationship? Jessica Getson, a licensed counselor, can help you manage your feelings, become attuned to your spouse’s needs, and interact more positively with your spouse.
