Sleep quality and insomnia linked to physical exhaustion and impaired fear regulation

Research indicates that sleep duration is not the sole determinant of morning alertness; sleep quality and continuity are equally critical. Factors such as sleep apnea, anxiety, irregular schedules, alcohol, and caffeine consumption can disrupt the various stages of sleep necessary for physical and mental recovery. Environmental factors, including light, noise, and temperature, also play a significant role in sleep disturbances.

A study published in ‘PLOS Mental Health’ suggests a deeper connection between insomnia and emotional regulation. Led by Rose T. Faghih from New York University’s Tandon School of Engineering, with contributors from Harvard Medical School, the research examined how insomnia affects the brain's ability to recognize safety.

By measuring skin conductance in 48 adults, researchers found that individuals with insomnia struggled more with ‘fear extinction’—the process of learning that a previously threatening stimulus is no longer a danger. This suggests that sleep disorders may lead to physiological hyperarousal and difficulties in distinguishing between actual threats and safe environments.