Effects of sleep quality on stress reactivity

Abstract

Purpose: Previous research has shown that sleep quality may be related to higher stress reactivity. This pilot study evaluated relationships between baseline sleep quality and changes in positive and negative affect, blood pressure, and heart rate in response to an experimental stress task.

Methods: Participants were 34 women aged 19.47 +/- 1.81 enrolled in a larger dissertation study. Sleep quality was measured through the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), with poor sleep quality being labeled as a global score higher than 5. Stress-reactivity was measured through the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule Short Form (PANAS), along with biometric measures of systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate. Stress was induced through Cyberball and a modification of the Trier Social Stress Test. Relationships between study variables were analyzed with a two-way ANOVA test.

Results: Results showed a significant main effect of Sleep Quality on change in negative affect, F(1, 30)= 4.85, p= .036, np2=.139, such that those with poor sleep at baseline experienced a significant increase in negative emotions from baseline to post-stressor (M= .71, SE=.38), while those with good sleep experienced a significant decrease in negative emotions (M= -.40, SE= .32).

Conclusions: This pilot study suggests that poor sleep quality may be related to a significant increase in negative emotions from baseline to post-stressor. Results indicate that those with poor sleep experienced a significant increase in negative emotions from baseline to post-stressor, while those with good sleep experienced a significant decrease in negative emotions.