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Sleep loss boosts optimism and limits negative thinking

Written by: David Castillo on April 27th, 2011

Sleep loss boosts optimism and limits negative thinking | read this item

New research is looking into the possible effects of sleep loss on the decision-making process of people. Study co-author, National University of Singapore Neurobehavioral Disorders Program professor and senior author Michael Chee, MD, explains that “even if someone makes very sound, risky financial decisions after a normal night of sleep, there is no guarantee that this same person will not expose you to untoward risk if sleep deprived.”

Chee believes that “it’s critical that society consider whether to continue doing things the old way. Old habits die hard, but maybe some of them should die,” referring to people’s tendency to go to sleep very late at night.

Meanwhile, Duke researchers used MRI scans to prove that lack of sleep leads the mind into leaning more towards mental processes which emphasize positive outcomes and less on creating mental scenarios of negative outcomes. The scientists believe that their “breakthrough demonstrates that sleep-deprived people are prone to making decisions that emphasize monetary gain and not those that reduce losses.”

Source: CPI Financial