A Lack of Sleep Can Make You Less Happy and More Anxious, New Study Finds

Not getting enough sleep can significantly affect your mood. A new study finds that a lack of sleep can make you less happy and more anxious. The lead author states that the study provides strong evidence that periods of extended wakefulness, shortened sleep duration, and nighttime awakenings adversely influence human emotional functioning.

Researchers reviewed 50 years of data on sleep deprivation and mood, encompassing 154 studies and more than 5,700 participants. They examined the effects of extended wakefulness, shorter sleep duration, and nighttime awakenings. The findings revealed that all three types of sleep disruption resulted in fewer positive emotions, such as joy, happiness, and contentment.

In addition, sleep loss was linked to increased symptoms of anxiety, including a rapid heart rate and heightened worrying. However, the connection between sleep loss and depression was smaller and less consistent. The authors note that these negative effects occurred even after short periods of sleep loss, such as staying up an hour or two later than usual.

They warn that more than 30% of adults and 90% of teens don't get enough sleep, leading to significant health and safety risks.