Research from Clemson University shows that poor sleep habits can have a negative effect on self-control.

In a study titled “Interactions between Sleep Habits and Self-Control,” Clemson psychologists concluded a sleep-deprived individual is at increased risk for succumbing to impulsive desires, inattentiveness and questionable decision-making.

“Self-control is part of daily decision-making. When presented with conflicting desires and opportunities, self-control allows one to maintain control,” said June Pilcher, Clemson Alumni Distinguished Professor of psychology, one of four authors of the study. “Our study explored how sleep habits and self-control are interwoven and how sleep habits and self-control may work together to affect a person’s daily functioning.

Other Clemson researchers included Drew Morris, a human factors psychology Ph.D. candidate; Janet Donnelly, a Ph.D. candidate in industrial/organizational psychology; and Hayley B. Feigl, who has a Bachelor of Science in psychology.

Previous research has shown individuals working in today’s 24-hour-a-day global economy often times sleep less or at irregular times, resulting in poor sleep and chronic sleep loss, which affects decision-making.

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