How Quality Sleep Can Transform Your Social Life

Our recent Valentine’s Day post revealed how sleep deprivation impacts relationships. But you’d be surprised at the significant impact insomnia can also have on friendships and even finding love. Quality sleep could improve your social life and may help you find that special someone!

UC Berkeley researchers discovered that sleep-deprived people feel more lonely and are less likely to engage in social interactions. They found that “total sleep deprivation and more modest, real-world reductions in sleep quality—leads to a behavioral profile of social withdrawal and loneliness.” This study also looked at how others perceive sleep-deprived people as well as the seemingly contagious effect of loneliness.

Lack Of Sleep & Loneliness

Everyone experiences loneliness occasionally. It’s the feeling we have when our desire for social connection is unfulfilled. Since no two people have the same level of desire, loneliness is a subjective emotion.

However, being lonely is not always the same as being alone. Some people have a happy life with little social interaction. Others could be involved in a relationship, have a large family, socialize with friends, and yet feel lonely. This is especially true if those around you don't understand you, which is often the case for many people living with insomnia.

When you’re sleep deprived, socializing and being around other people can be challenging. This can lead to feelings of isolation and cause you to withdraw and avoid the activities you used to enjoy. It is also a common reaction to loneliness and can be a difficult cycle to break.

That’s yet another reason why quality sleep is so important. It’s essential and allows you to live your best life with those around you. Getting a good rest can do wonders for your mood and help you feel more connected to others. You’ll feel more inclined and interested in spending time with family and friends.

Proper sleep also reduces stress and makes you feel much more relaxed and social. It can even make you appear more approachable and welcoming to others.

Restful Sleep Improves Connections

Have you ever noticed how difficult it is to socialize or connect with others when you're feeling tired, impatient and groggy? The UC Berkeley study established that sleep deprivation deters social interactions. When you're sleep-deprived, you may be more likely to feel irritable, moody, and emotionally reactive, making it harder to form positive social connections.

Getting a quality night’s sleep is like the clouds parting and the warm sun coming out to illimunate your true self. You feel so much more alive, energetic and open to social connections. It’s truly a breath of fresh air.

Removing the dark clouds of exhaustion is life-changing, for not only yourself but others around you. You're more likely to feel confident, outgoing, and engaged. Plus, picking up on social cues and initiating conversations when you’re well-rested comes a lot more easily.

Is Sleep-deprived Loneliness Contagious?

Additionally, the same study revealed that viewers reported feeling lonelier themselves after watching an interview with a sleep-deprived person. This indicates that the loneliness associated with sleep loss can be contagious!

Feeling like a ‘Debbie downer’ is often a result of exhaustion. It is not a representation of who you really are. You may appear distant, uninterested, or act out of character. However, a quality night’s sleep can turn that right around.

Feelings of happiness are very similar. Socializing with cheerful people makes you more likely to feel uplifted and positive.

We don’t all have to be the life of the party, but learning to sleep well will allow you to be your authentic self and enjoy social connections.

Quality Sleep Improves Confidence

It’s no secret that lack of sleep can show up in our appearance through puffy eyes and a dull complexion. We all deserve to feel our best when hanging out with friends or pursuing romantic connections.

When you're well-rested, you're more likely to feel your best, which can have a powerful impact on your self-esteem and confidence. Quality sleep allows your skin a chance to rejuvenate, and you'll be more likely to wake up with a glowing, refreshed complexion.

Better sleep can also give you more energy and confidence throughout the day. When you're feeling alert and energized, you're more likely to stand up straight, make eye contact, and engage with others in a confident and assertive way.

Better sleep can also help improve your mood and reduce stress and anxiety, further boosting your confidence and self-esteem. When you're feeling calm and centered, you're more likely to approach social situations and romantic connections with positivity and vitality.

Effective Strategies For Quality Sleep

Quality sleep is so much more than simply feeling rested - it's a surefire way to help you feel your absolute best. It can help you to maintain a positive mood and respond to social situations more effectively. Plus, the effects of restful sleep can even positively impact the people around you.

Imagine what life could be like when you’re actually well rested on a regular basis. You’ll feel like a brand new person! Restorative sleep can transform your confidence and social life.

Unleash Your Social Side With Quality Sleep!

Most people living with chronic insomnia have no idea that cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is an effective, drug-free and evidence-based approach, demonstrated over the past 30 years of research to yield results equivalent to sleep medications within a few weeks and even more so in the long term. CBT-I is well-established as the first-line treatment for chronic insomnia. It is also safer and long-lasting.

CBT-I provides effective techniques for addressing sleep disruptions. In doing so, it can improve both your sleep duration and quality, not to mention your social connections.

Reclaim Your Social Life With CBT-I

Looking for support to get your sleep back on track?

Maybe you’ve tried all kinds of sleep strategies in the past, and nothing seems to work. I deeply understand your frustration, and I am here to help.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is the gold standard in evidence-based treatment for overcoming chronic insomnia. It provides effective strategies for retraining your brain for deeper restorative sleep.

Check out the services page. We have options for every budget and preference: individual sessions, group sessions, online course and even a new 6-week therapist-guided digital CBT-I program (weekly individualized therapist advice, with no appointments required!) If you're interested in live one-on-one sessions, click here for a free 15-minute consultation to answer your questions and help you decide.

With CBT-I, you’ll have the tools and strategies to help reverse the vicious cycle of insomnia, so you can start living your life to the fullest!

Get started today. Your social life will thank you!