Sleep Deprivation and Emotional Reactivity in Young Adults in United States
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47941/japsy.2556Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this article was to analyze sleep deprivation and emotional reactivity in young adults in United States.
Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries.
Findings: Sleep deprivation increases emotional reactivity in young adults, heightening stress, anxiety, and irritability while weakening emotion regulation. It triggers amygdala hyperactivity and reduces prefrontal cortex function, leading to stronger negative responses and poor stress coping. Chronic deprivation links to mood disorders, emphasizing the need for adequate sleep for emotional stability.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Dual-process theory of emotion regulation, self-regulation theory & affective neuroscience theory may be used to anchor future studies on the sleep deprivation and emotional reactivity in young adults in United States. Practitioners should design and implement targeted sleep hygiene interventions and stress management programs tailored for young adults, including cognitive training and mindfulness-based therapies that have shown promise in mitigating heightened emotional reactivity. educational institutions and workplaces should consider structural changes such as later start times, flexible schedules, and awareness campaigns to promote sufficient sleep and thereby improve overall emotional well-being.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Patricia Johnson
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