When making decisions, you have probably heard the phrase "sleep on it." There is scientific evidence as to why getting enough rest before making decisions that are based on emotions important.
Lack of sleep leads to being emotionally responsive. Studies have shown that people who are suffering from sleep deprivation report an increase in negative moods such as anger, irritability, frustration, and sadness. They are also less likely to experience positive emotions such as happiness. Over time, lack of sleep could lead to the development of mood disorders such as anxiety and depression. People who live this lifestyle are less likely to engage in healthy habits, such as eating healthily, exercising, having sex, and engaging in leisure activities, due to exhaustion.
Chronic lack of sleep has been found to be directly tied to depression. However, medical experts note that sometimes they are not sure whether depression or lack of sleep came first in their correlated relationship.
Why Is The Case?
It is believed that the increased emotional state of the sleep-deprived is due to the relationship between the prefrontal cortex and the amygdala. The amygdala is the part of the brain that is responsible for strong emotional reactions. During a study, an MRI of the amygdala was given to two groups of people. Group one was given a full night’s rest, whereas group two was purposely sleep-deprived.
Group one saw an appropriate measure of responsiveness by the amygdala. In translation, they were reacting normally to emotional stimuli. Whereas the amygdala of group two was hyperactive. Meaning that their emotional response was hypersensitive to emotional stimuli compared to the appropriate reaction. The amygdala in the sleep-deprived was 60% more responsive compared to those with a full night's rest.
The reason for this is presumably due to the role of the prefrontal cortex in regulating emotions. Typically, the prefrontal cortex communicates with and controls the amygdala. When there is a lack of sleep, the communication channels between the amygdala and the prefrontal cortex seem to be severed, resulting in a hyperactive amygdala.
The state of sleep in which rapid eye movements occur (known as the REM state) is when the body forms sort of emotional band-aid in which the body soothes itself and takes the edges off difficult situations. Therefore, leading to appropriate emotional responses rather than irrational emotional reactions.
What Can You Do?
Ensuring you receive the appropriate amount of rest each night is the best way to keep your emotions in check. A full eight hours of sleep is required to see an appropriate emotional response. Studies suggest that each hour less of eight you receive makes your amygdala more hyperactive and therefore more responsive.
You can also ensure you are receiving quality rest by having a comfortable sleeping environment. Being comfortable makes it so that you can sleep through the night, and remain in a deeper state of sleep.
Lastly, you can wear STAMINAPRO Power Sleep Patches to help place you into a deeper state of sleep. Meaning that you receive the quality rest you need to have the appropriate emotional responses. Shop Power Sleep Patches now!
