You're marriage has been through it's ups and downs. Over the years, you've shared your secrets, your dreams, and one bathroom, which has brought you closer and made your relationship stronger. But there is a force out there that threatens to dismantle everything you've worked towards. An unfortunate occurrence that has been known to cause misery since the beginning of time: lack of sleep. But all joking aside, the ways sleep deprivation affects your marriage can be serious, but it's nothing you and your partner can't handle.
A good night's sleep is not something to take lightly. As a matter of fact, sleep is vital for every aspect of your life. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, "quality sleep at the right times can help protect your mental health, physical health, quality of life, and safety." It's easy to see how, if any or all of these areas are compromised, the effects can spill over into your relationships, especially your marriage.
If you start to notice some strains on your relationship and wonder if it could be related to your lack of shut eye, see if one of these seven ways sleep deprivation affects your marriage is lurking behind the issue.
1You're Less Thankful
Even the most wonderful partner can work your nerves when you're tired AF. According to Prevention, psychologist at the University of California found that people who don't get enough sleep are less thankful for their partners, suggesting that gratitude is reduced due to sleep deprivation.
2You Fight More (And With Less Empathy)
Anyone every pick a fight with you when you haven't had enough shut eye? Then you know that those arguments aren't always the prettiest sight. In an study published in the journal of Social Psychological and Personality Science, researchers found that couples have more conflicts occur from sleep deprivation, even when only one of them is short on sleep. This study also found that tired couples had less empathy for one another when trying to reach conflict resolution.
3Your Aren't Able To Make Decisions
If you've ever made a poor decision because you were tired, it's because your brain isn't able to perform all its functions when you don't get enough sleep. According to Psychology Today, sleep deprivation, "makes us easily distracted, reckless, less innovative, and less able to integrate information, not to mention potentially more willing to take dangerous risks." These type of decisions are guaranteed to make some waves in your marriage and put tension between you and your partner.
4You Affect Everyone Around You
If mama's not happy, then nobody's happy. At least that's what researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine found when they studied how a bad night's sleep for women effects their partners. As PBS reported on this study, when the woman did not get sufficient sleep, both partners reported having similar negative responses to their spouse the following day.
5You Have Bad Feeling
Better sleep equals more satisfaction in your marriage. So how do you get the kind of slumber that makes for a happy relationship? Try syncing up. According to Real Simple when couples sync their sleep and wake times, the result is more overall good vibes in their marriage. Which means if you're out of sync, you could experience more of negativity and decreased relationship satisfaction.
6Your Friskiness Fizzles
Just when you thought sleep deprivation had done enough damage, it kicks you where it really hurts: your sex life. I know, you don't want to hear it — but it's true. Turns out, the sleepier you are, the less you feel like having sex, according to Everyday Health.
7You May Suffer Sleep Divorce
When couples aren't getting enough sleep, sometimes they have no choice but to split up. A sleep divorce, according to Psychology Today, is when couples decide to sleep in separate rooms in order to get more sound sleep. This typically happens when one partner is keeping the other awake due to snoring or frequent waking.
