Gaby
A lack of quality sleep can diminish our ability to empathize. This connection between sleep and empathy was uncovered by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley.
Scientists have long recognized the benefits of a good night’s sleep. Now, they are exploring its impact on our capacity for compassion. They concluded that insufficient or poor-quality sleep reduces the desire to help others, as reported by BBC Science Focus. Without adequate nighttime rest, people tend to become more selfish, which negatively affects their social interactions.
In the first phase of the study, researchers placed a group of 24 healthy adult volunteers in a functional MRI (fMRI) scanner. Initially, they were scanned after a full eight hours of sleep, and then again after the participants had stayed awake all night. It turned out that the brain regions responsible for empathy became less active after sleep deprivation.
In the second phase, the scientists asked 100 volunteers to report on the quality of their sleep, focusing particularly on the number of awakenings throughout the night. They then assessed the participants’ willingness to perform certain tasks, such as holding the elevator door open for a stranger.
The team observed that as sleep quality declined, people lost their willingness to help others. A staggering 78 percent of participants who reported poor sleep were less likely to lend a helping hand.
Researchers also noted that in areas where residents switch to daylight saving time, there is a 10 percent decrease in charitable donations compared to regions where sleep time is not shortened.
Thus, quality sleep significantly influences our readiness to be compassionate and helpful. According to the researchers, if a person neglects their mental health and emotional reserves, they cannot care for others.
Why Empathy Matters
The team, which published its findings in the journal PLOS Biology, described empathy as a fundamental trait of Homo sapiens, one of the most powerful forces that has shaped modern civilizations.
The ability to empathize serves as a barometer for our behavior towards others. The skill of empathy is essential for building and nurturing relationships. Scientists believe this trait is crucial for our mental and emotional well-being. Empathy is the glue that binds societies and communities together.
