Tired of sleepless nights? If you’ve already tried warm milk, counting sheep, and any number of other remedies for insomnia without success, you might consider becoming more forgiving.
It turns out, according to a new study published this fall in the journal Psychology & Health, that being more forgiving — to others and to yourself — is associated with getting a better night’s sleep.
The study, conducted with more than 1,400 American adults, asked participants to score themselves regarding how likely they were to forgive themselves and others. Then researchers also asked study participants to take a survey on their sleep habits and general satisfaction with life over the previous month.
It turns out that the people who described themselves as forgiving also were the most likely study participants to say they slept well and were happy with their lives.
Experts suspect that the connection is rooted in the idea that people who can let go of resentment, regrets, and other hurt feelings are more likely to be able to relax their minds sufficiently to achieve quality sleep. Likewise, people who let anger, bitterness, and other negative emotions linger on their minds find that those feelings interrupt their capacity to fall into a restful sleep.
Researchers were quick to point out their work doesn’t prove that forgiveness cures sleep problems. But the findings do reinforce other similar studies.
And isn’t it reassuring when science can substantiate generations-old advice of spiritual leaders, parents, and other wise people, that forgiveness is good for you?
Good, quality sleep is also good for you, as most of us know. Chronic sleep problems can be linked to heart disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and stroke.
So if lack of sleep is frustrating you, consider cutting yourself and everyone else in your life a little slack.
Letting go of negative emotions can probably help you drift off to dreamland in peace.
First Published November 9, 2019, 5:00 a.m.
