We often think of sleep as a personal experience—something that affects our own mood, health, and productivity. But research shows that the quality of your sleep also influences how you relate to others. In fact, sleep and empathy are deeply connected.
Whether you’re a parent, partner, coworker, or friend, your ability to understand and respond to the emotions of others—your empathy—can rise or fall depending on how well you slept the night before.
Let’s explore how sleep impacts emotional connection, and why being well-rested is essential for compassionate, empathetic relationships.