When we’re tired, it seems we’re more likely to dedicate our resources to recognizing those emotions that could impact short-term safety.
A recent study has found that a sleepless night impairs your ability to interpret subtle expressions of happiness and sadness.
The research, published in the journal Neurobiology of Sleep and Circadian Rhythms, found that study participants had a harder time identifying facial expressions of happiness or sadness when they were sleep deprived versus well-rested.
The sleepy participants’ ability to interpret facial expressions of other emotions — anger, fear, surprise and disgust — was not impaired, however.