SLEEP DEPRIVATION MAKES YOU UNATTRACTIVE

Here’s something we know a lot about. A LOT. A new study, from the University of California and published published on Nature.com, finds that not getting enough sleep can turn people into social lepers, making them appear less approachable and attractive. Those who are sleep-deprived typically feel lonelier and try to avoid human contact, just like those with social anxiety. Just being around a person who isn’t getting enough sleep can make you feel withdrawn. Researchers monitored the brains of 18 people as they watched a video of someone walking towards them. Those test subjects who were sleep deprived had less activity in regions of the brain that encourage social engagement. In another trial, 1,000 people rated videos of others talking. The test subjects said they felt more isolated after watching a sleep-deprived person talk. Study leader Professor Matthew Walker said, “The less sleep you get, the less you want to socially interact.”
* (Say this to whoever reads the story): I’m sorry, did you say something?
* Did you say this came from the University of California or the University of Morning DJs?
* If you’re having trouble sleeping, I’ll bet reading this study at bedtime would help.
* I’m sure Professor Walker got the idea for the study from all the students falling asleep in his class.