How Relationship Insecurity and Sleep Quality Interact to Influence Daily Jealousy

A recent study presented at SLEEP 2025 reveals a significant connection between sleep quality, relationship insecurity, and daily feelings of jealousy. The research indicates that individuals with higher levels of anxious attachment—characterized by difficulties in trusting others and low self-esteem—tend to experience poorer sleep. This poor sleep, in turn, is linked to heightened feelings of jealousy each day.

The study involved 68 young adults who completed questionnaires about their sleep patterns and relationship dynamics over two weeks, alongside daily self-reports capturing their social emotions and behaviors. Results demonstrated that poor sleep quality was associated with increased jealousy, but this effect was particularly prominent among those with high attachment anxiety. Lead researcher Giovanni Alvarado from Montana State University explained that not all negative socioemotional outcomes are influenced equally by sleep deprivation. Attachment style appears to shape which emotions are most affected by poor sleep.

The findings underscore the complex relationship between sleep and emotional regulation, emphasizing that individuals with insecure attachment styles are especially vulnerable to the emotional toll of inadequate sleep. As the American Academy of Sleep Medicine emphasizes, sufficient and quality sleep is crucial for overall health. They recommend adults get at least 7 hours of restful sleep each night, considering duration, quality, timing, and the absence of disturbances.

This research highlights how sleep deprivation can impair social and emotional functioning, particularly for those already insecure in their relationships. It suggests that interventions addressing both sleep habits and relationship insecurities could be beneficial, especially for vulnerable populations. The study also provides insight into why some individuals find it more challenging to navigate social situations when tired.

Published in the journal SLEEP, this study offers valuable implications for understanding emotional resilience and the importance of prioritizing healthy sleep to foster better social interactions and emotional well-being.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-06-relationship-insecurity-poor-fuels-daily.html