New research suggests a surprising factor may be interfering with a good night’s rest: relationship insecurity. A study published in the journal SLEEP found a link between attachment style and sleep quality, with anxious attachment being a key contributor to poor sleep.
Researchers examined 68 young adults, asking them to complete questionnaires about their sleep habits and relationships. The participants also provided daily self-reports for two weeks, detailing their emotions and behaviors. The goal was to see if attachment style, a behavioral pattern in relationships, influenced sleep.
Anxious attachment is characterized by a deep fear of abandonment. People with this style often feel insecure in relationships and seek frequent validation. The study’s authors hypothesized that the interpersonal conflict and emotional changes common in anxious relationships might lead to sleep problems.
The results showed that anxious attachment can negatively affect sleep. The study also found that sleep disturbances were linked to increased feelings of envy and jealousy in social relationships, but only for those with higher levels of relationship anxiety. The authors described these findings as early evidence that sleep’s effect on emotions may depend on a person’s attachment style.
“People with anxious attachment, or those who struggle with insecurity in relationships, may be especially vulnerable to feelings of envy and jealousy when they’re sleep-deprived,” said study co-author Giovanni Alvarado in a news release. He added that this helps explain why some people have more trouble navigating social situations when tired.
For those with anxious attachment, experts note that moving toward a more secure attachment style is possible with help and support from a professional. Recognizing when the attachment style is triggered is a first step. The study also emphasizes the importance of getting enough quality sleep.
Improving sleep can start with basic sleep hygiene. This includes going to bed and waking up at the same time each day, keeping the bedroom cool and dark, and considering a sleep supplement. The study authors suggest that understanding the link between attachment style and sleep could lead to more targeted interventions for people struggling with both issues.
The connection between stress and sleep is well-documented. Many factors, from diet to bedroom temperature, can affect how well someone sleeps. This research adds relationship dynamics to that list, showing that emotional security may play a role in rest. Addressing both sleep habits and relationship patterns could help improve overall well-being.
