Are your poor sleep habits wrecking your marriage?

Turns out that under-eye bags and bad hair days aren't the only side effects to poor sleep. Less than stellar sleep patterns actually wreak havoc on your relationship, according to new research.

Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley studied the role of sleeping patterns in more than 60 couples to analyze the effects of poor sleep on one's gratitude toward their partner. Findings showed that lack of sufficient sleep can leave couples too tired to simple things -- like saying thank you.

“Poor sleep may make us more selfish as we prioritize our own needs over our partner’s,” said Amie Gordon, lead investigator of the study and university psychologist.The research proved that a lack of shut eye not only leaves you grumpy, (that's what happens when you stay up too late watching "Homeland", ladies!) but you become unappreciative and less in tune with your partner's sensitivities. It doesn't help that between your husband's obnoxious snoring and your tendency to hog the pillows, chances are one of you will wake up refreshed and the other, exhausted.

“You may have slept like a baby, but if your partner didn’t, you’ll probably both end up grouchy,” Gordon said.

I understand it can be hard to show your partner love when you're running on empty, but the least you can do is say thank you when your husband offers to take out the garbage. And please -- for the sake of your marriage -- just pour yourself a cup of coffee.

What annoying sleep habits do you or your partner have?


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