A lack of sleep makes people less generous and less helpful, according to a new study. They asked subjects, among other things, about certain situations in which they were willing to help after they had slept enough and insufficiently. They also analyzed donation behavior in the US after a time change.
This is reported by researchers from the American University of Berkeley in the journal “PLOS Biology”.
The scientists working with Eti Ben Simon were able to show that the more than 100 subjects said that after a night of too little sleep, they felt less urge to help others. For example, it was about opening an elevator door or helping an injured stranger on the street.
The researchers, led by Eti Ben Simon, also investigated whether the switch to daylight saving time – the night is one hour shorter – has an influence on the donation behavior of citizens. In fact, in the week after the time change, people donated an average of 10 percent less. “A drop not seen in states that don’t change their clocks.”
Less empathy after a sleepless night
They also gave subjects brain scans after eight hours of sleep and after one night of no sleep. They found that certain areas of the brain that are important for empathy and empathy are less active after a sleepless night.
According to Simon, this part of the brain was significantly affected when people were sleep deprived. “It’s like these parts of the brain don’t respond after we don’t get enough sleep.”
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
