A new study to be presented at SLEEP 2025 shows a clear link between sleep quality and jealousy, especially among people with higher relationship insecurity. Conducted with young adults and led by a doctoral candidate from Montana State University, the research suggests that poor sleep can intensify jealous feelings for those who already fear rejection or doubt their self-worth in relationships.
For Thai readers, where close family ties and social harmony are highly valued, understanding how sleep affects emotional dynamics within relationships is especially relevant. With many Thais experiencing sleep disturbances due to work stress, social media, and urban life, the findings speak to couples navigating both urban and rural settings.
The study’s key message is straightforward: poor sleep increases daily jealousy, but this effect is strongest among individuals with high attachment anxiety. Attachment anxiety refers to insecurity about the relationship, fear of abandonment, and low self-esteem within romantic partnerships. Over two weeks, 68 young adults tracked their sleep and relationship dynamics, revealing the tight connection between rest and emotional health.
The lead researcher notes that poor sleep does not trigger all negative emotions equally; its impact appears concentrated on relational feelings like jealousy. “This suggests that attachment style shapes which emotions are most affected by sleep quality,” the author explained. The takeaway: sleep deprivation does not uniformly spark jealousy—those with pre-existing insecurities are more susceptible.
Global sleep guidelines emphasize the importance of both sleep duration and sleep quality. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends adults aim for at least seven hours per night. In Thailand, irregular work hours in tourism, retail, and public transport often disrupt healthy sleep, making this research particularly timely for couples and families.
Thai experts have long highlighted the interplay between societal pressures and sleep problems among youth and workers. A clinical psychologist from a leading Bangkok university noted that relationship insecurities are a concern for many Thais, and poor sleep can complicate trust and communication within relationships.
In Thai culture, jai yen, or emotional calm, is highly valued. The findings suggest poor sleep can undermine this balance, especially for those already vulnerable to insecurity in their romantic lives. As sleep disorders rise in Bangkok and other cities, restorative sleep could be an overlooked strategy for reducing conflict and promoting emotional balance in couples.
Jealousy and insecurity are not new in Thai relationships, and traditional stories often explore heartbreak and envy. Yet as lifestyles change and stress grows, sleep emerges as both a protective and risk factor for relationships. The study highlights that internal relationship patterns, as much as external stressors, shape how sleep affects jealousy after a night of poor rest.
Experts say the findings pave the way for personalized prevention and intervention. By identifying individuals with higher attachment anxiety, sleep specialists, couples counselors, and even employers can tailor guidance to promote stable sleep and healthier relationships. Potential interventions include relaxation techniques, open discussions about insecurities, and adjustments to routines that encourage consistent, restful sleep.
Future research could explore whether these patterns apply to older adults, long-term marriages, or other cultural contexts in Southeast Asia where collectivist values influence relational interdependence. There is also potential to combine digital health tools—sleep-tracking with mental wellness check-ins—to empower people to monitor and address the sleep–emotional health connection in real time.
For readers seeking practical takeaways, the message is simple: prioritize quality sleep to support trust and reduce negative emotions in relationships. Simple steps like a calming bedtime routine, reducing late-night screen time, and seeking professional help for persistent sleep problems can contribute to emotionally healthier, more harmonious partnerships.