Alester Brown

3 Reasons Lack of Sleep Causes Moodiness

Nearly everyone has been there at some point - you're tired, and because you're tired, you get moody. Why does this happen? On the surface, it would seem like it's just because your tiredness means you want to be left alone to get some sleep, but is there something more going on? The truth is, there might be more to mood changes and lack of sleep than you realize.

Below are three reasons why lack of sleep causes moodiness:

1. Delayed Sleep-Wake Phase Disorder

If you're wondering why you're feeling a bit off when you haven't gotten as much sleep as you would like, you may be experiencing the effects of delayed sleep-wake phase disorder (DSWPD). This disorder is prevalent in people who have a hard time falling asleep, and as a result, they have a hard time waking at an optimal time. Someone with DSWPD may end up feeling tired throughout the day as nights of little sleep add up over time. Adolescents are more likely to experience the effects of this disorder, but it can affect people of all ages.

2. Reduced Amygdala Function

Another reason why your mood may change when you haven't gotten enough sleep is that the region of your brain that regulates mood, the amygdala, may be affected by a lack of sleep. Studies have shown a relationship between the amygdala and overall health, as this connection relates to sleep.

If you haven't gotten optimal sleep, your amygdala may not be functioning properly, and thus, your mood may be affected. Reduced function in the amygdala has been shown to affect mood in people with traumatic brain injuries. While lack of sleep isn't as severe as a car accident, it has the potential to affect the amygdala's function.

3. You're Hungry

Just like with brain region disassociation, a lack of sleep can also lead to hunger if you went to bed on an empty stomach. Blood glucose levels may drop overnight, leading to feelings of irritability as your brain concentrates on finding food upon waking. This same experience can be had whenever you get hungry, but it may be more impactful upon waking since your brain is still a bit disoriented when first waking up.

Author Resource:-

Alester Brown writes about mental and physical health. She advises people on difficulty sleeping & online sleep programs. You can find her thoughts at top sleep experts blog.