A recent study published in the journal SLEEP suggests that a person’s attachment style could be a factor in how well they sleep. The research found that insecurity in relationships is linked to worse sleep, and that poor sleep can increase feelings of jealousy.
Researchers looked at the connection between attachment style and sleep quality. An attachment style is a pattern of behavior in relationships. Anxious attachment is marked by a deep fear of being abandoned. People with this style often feel insecure in their relationships and need more reassurance from their partners.
The study involved 68 young adults. They completed questionnaires about their sleep and their relationships. They also kept daily reports for two weeks about their emotions and behaviors.
The results showed that anxious attachment can affect sleep. The authors wrote that sleep problems were linked to more envy and jealousy in social relationships, but only for those with higher levels of relationship anxiety. The researchers said these findings offer early evidence that the effect of sleep on emotions may depend on a person’s attachment style. They added that people with insecure attachment may face a higher risk of the social and emotional effects of poor sleep.
Study co-author Giovanni Alvarado said in a news release that people with anxious attachment, or those who struggle with insecurity in relationships, may be especially prone to envy and jealousy when they are sleep-deprived. He said the findings help explain why some people have more trouble dealing with social situations when they are tired. The results could also lead to more targeted treatments that consider a person’s relationship style when addressing sleep issues.
For those with anxious attachment, the study suggests focusing on both sleep and attachment style. Experts note that anyone can work toward a more secure attachment style with professional help. Recognizing when anxious attachment is triggered is an important first step. Building secure attachment takes time and patience. At the same time, maintaining good sleep habits is key. This includes going to bed and waking up at the same time each day, keeping the bedroom cool and dark, and using a quality sleep supplement.
