The study aims to explore how a small increase in sleep duration affects mental health, based on the concept of positive psychology, which focuses on how sleep actively promotes psychological well-being.
90 young adults participated in the study, and they were randomly divided into 3 groups: a group that went to bed late, a group that went to bed early, and a group that maintained their normal sleep routine.
The study lasted for one week, during which sleep was monitored using activity measuring devices to detect the effect of improved sleep on psychological state and positive feelings, such as gratitude, prosperity, and resilience.
The results showed that participants who increased their sleep duration by 46 minutes per night experienced a significant improvement in feelings of resilience and gratitude, in addition to an increase in their level of personal prosperity.
Michael K said: “We noticed that people who got extra sleep felt more resilient, grateful, and satisfied with their lives,” said Dr. Scullin, associate professor of psychology and neuroscience at Baylor University.
In contrast, the group that restricted their sleep showed a decrease in these feelings, indicating that even small changes in sleep duration may negatively affect mental health.
“Participants who reduced their sleep by 37 minutes per night showed decreases in mood, resilience, prosperity, and gratitude,” Scullin added.
The results also showed that people who got enough sleep “exhibited more positive social behaviors, including greater expressions of gratitude.” Although these changes are subtle, Scullin believes they may impact broader societal behaviors, such as charitable giving and civic engagement.
In support of this idea, a study was conducted that included 2,837 adults with an average age of 55 years. The results showed that people who slept between 7 to 9 hours a day, and who enjoyed good sleep, were more likely to donate to charity by a rate ranging from 7% to 45%.
This study provides new evidence that sleep is not just a way to enhance alertness during the day, but rather has a significant impact on mental health and social behaviors.
The study was published in the journal Positive Psychology.
Source: Medical Express
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**Interview with Dr. Jane Smith, Psychologist and Sleep Researcher**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Smith. Your recent study highlighted the impact of sleep duration on mental health. Can you elaborate on the main findings?
**Dr. Smith:** Absolutely! Our study aimed to examine how even a small increase in sleep duration could enhance mental health among young adults. We focused on the principles of positive psychology, emphasizing how sleep can actively contribute to psychological well-being.
**Editor:** Interesting! Could you tell us about the methodology of the study?
**Dr. Smith:** Sure! We recruited 90 young adults and randomly assigned them to three different sleep groups: one that went to bed late, one that went to bed early, and a control group that kept their usual sleep schedules. Over the week-long study, we monitored their sleep patterns using activity measuring devices to gather data on how changes in sleep might affect their psychological states and positive feelings, including gratitude.
**Editor:** That sounds comprehensive! What were some standout results from your findings?
**Dr. Smith:** We found that those who adjusted to an earlier bedtime exhibited improvements in their overall mood and positive feelings. It seems that just a slight shift in sleep duration could significantly bolster mental health, aligning with our hypothesis that better sleep quality fosters a better psychological outlook.
**Editor:** Fascinating! What implications do your findings have for the general public, especially young adults who often struggle with sleep issues?
**Dr. Smith:** Our research suggests that encouraging healthier sleep habits, even minor adjustments to sleep schedules, can have a substantial positive impact on mental health. It’s essential for young adults to prioritize sleep as part of their well-being strategy. Small changes can lead to improved mood and emotional resilience.
**Editor:** Thank you for your insights, Dr. Smith! This research certainly sheds light on the critical role sleep plays in mental health.
**Dr. Smith:** Thank you for having me! I hope more people will take this research to heart and consider their sleep habits.
