Do you really know? Why does not getting enough sleep make you selfish?
Jul 20, 2025
Lack of sleep may do more than just make you grumpy; it could actually make you selfish! Research from UC Berkeley reveals that even losing an hour of sleep can reduce generosity towards others. Participants in a study filled out sleep diaries and altruism questionnaires, uncovering startling effects of sleep deprivation on empathy. The findings suggest a significant link between adequate sleep and societal well-being, prompting a discussion on prioritizing restful nights for both personal and communal health.
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Sleep Loss Reduces Generosity
- Losing even one hour of sleep reduces generosity towards others, including close friends and family.
- Sleep deprivation significantly lowers activity in brain areas related to social behavior and empathy.
Daylight Saving Lowers Donations
- Charitable donations drop 10% after daylight saving time clocks move forward.
- This decrease in generosity isn't seen in states that do not change their clocks.
Sleep Loss Harms Empathy and Health
- Lack of sleep links to mental health disorders and physical ailments like diabetes.
- It also lowers empathy and social connection, potentially harming interpersonal relationships.