If you and your spouse find yourselves arguing more than usual you might want to think about how many hours of sleep you’re getting per night.
In a new study conducted by Ohio State University, they found a distinct link between hostility among couples and sleep deprivation. The study took a look at 43 couples who had each been married from three to 27 years. Each person reported a varying amount of sleep – anywhere from three hours to nine and a half hours per night.
Every couple in the study was found to have some form of marital spat from time to time – just like most real-world couples. What was different, however, was the manner in which they argued. Some couples argued constructively without hostility, even kindly in some cases, while others were far more negative and hostile toward one other. The varying factor? Sleep.
In the study, couples were prodded to discuss “hot-button” issues that might trigger an argument. A clear pattern became evident. Those couples with less than seven hours of sleep per night were far more likely to argue with hostility and negativity than their sleep indulged counterparts.
While lack of sleep has widely been associated with a variety of issues including cognitive ability, memory, physical health and well-being, this is one of the first times a study has zeroed in on how sleep specifically impacts a marriage and the ability to communicate and argue constructively.
According to the American Sleep Association (ASA), the average adult requires between 7-9 hours per night. Most people fall short of that. In fact, more than 35% of adults admit to getting less than seven hours of sleep per night.