Feel Happier and Improve Relationships With Better Sleep March 23, 2025 Last week marked World Happiness Day, a reminder of the many factors that contribute to our well-being. While the day has passed, prioritising wellbeing remains important, and that includes ensuring quality sleep. Good sleep doesn’t just leave us feeling refreshed —it is crucial for how we feel and maintaining healthy relationships. By contrast, inadequate sleep can lead us to feel irritable, stress, and strain relationships with friends and family. Mood Regulation Research shows that poor sleep is linked to worsened mood regulation. In fact, even one night of sleep deprivation can heighten emotional reactivity and reduce your ability to manage stress.1 Without adequate rest, emotional stability diminishes, causing small frustrations to feel overwhelming. Sleep also plays an essential role in empathy and relationship dynamics. Lack of sleep reduces empathy, making it harder to connect with others emotionally, making it more challenging to respond with patience.2 When we are well-rested, we can communicate and problem-solve; key factors for fostering healthy relationships with partners, friends, and colleagues. Stress Management The link between sleep and stress management is also significant. People who experience inadequate sleep report higher levels of stress and are more likely to experience mood swings. According to the American Psychological Association, poor sleep is one of the top contributors to stress, and it affects our ability to handle pressure and respond effectively to life’s challenges. In contrast, those who get at least 8 hours of sleep a night show improved emotional resilience and the ability to cope with stressors in a calm and balanced manner.3 For people suffering from sleep disorders such as insomnia or sleep apnea, the negative effects on mood and relationships can be amplified. These sleep disorders can lead to persistent irritability and fatigue, which can exacerbate relationship challenges. If you're concerned about your sleep health beyond the occasional restless night, it may be time to speak to your doctor. How Sove CPAP Clinic Can Help Founded in 2008, Sove CPAP Clinic has grown to become a leading provider of respiratory and sleep services and products in Australia, with over 60 clinics nationwide. Our comprehensive clinical team includes Respiratory & Sleep Specialists, Sleep Technologists, and CPAP Consultants, ensuring that you receive comprehensive and personalised care. All medical procedures, including sleep studies and lung function testing, are bulk billed to all Australians, with minimal wait time. If you would like to speak to a Respiratory & Sleep Physician, book a bulk-billed sleep study, or seek treatment advice for your sleep apnea, you can reach us at 1300 76 29 39 or info@thecpapclinic.com.au. ALWAYS FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE. CPAP is used for Obstructive Sleep Apnea treatment. When considering whether a sleep study or CPAP is right for you, speak to your doctor. Medicare criteria and T&C’s apply. Citations 1. Goldstein, Andrea N., and Matthew P. Walker. “The Role of Sleep in Emotional Brain Function.” Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, vol. 10, no. 1, 28 Mar. 2014, pp. 679–708, https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-clinpsy-032813-153716. 2. Guadagni, Veronica, et al. “The Effects of Sleep Deprivation on Emotional Empathy.” Journal of Sleep Research, vol. 23, no. 6, 13 Aug. 2014, pp. 657–663, https://doi.org/10.1111/jsr.12192. 3. “Stress and Sleep.” American Psychological Association, 2013, www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2013/sleep.
