Tina, a financial expert in a logistics company, got a job in 2018 even before she graduated, which was a dream come true. However, she had no idea what was waiting ahead of her. Not only does she have a very strict boss, she is constantly given extra assignments outside her position, which drained her.

Even when home, her manager calls to give her more assignments. She is exhausted, as she only sleeps for about three hours. 

She recently discovered that she’s developed a bad temper, the slightest issue ticks her off. She is so stressed and could use a break, but her leave is yet to be approved. In fact, most times, they are paid extra money to work all through. 

Although anger can be triggered by many issues, in some cases, it can also be due to sleep deprivation.

 Not getting adequate sleep is known as sleep deprivation. Calculate how many hours of sleep you get, to assist you in knowing if it’s lack of sleep that is triggering your anger.

Research shows that sleep deprivation appears to impact adults, adolescents, and children in similar ways. Sleep deprivation can aggravate pre-existing mood disturbances, such as anger, depression, and anxiety, and can lead to confusion, fatigue, and lack of vigour. Even just one sleepless night relates to these changes in function.

Christella Ishimwe, a clinical psychologist at mHub Rwanda, says that a large body of research supports the connection between sleep deprivation and mood changes, such as increased anger and aggression. Individuals who get an adequate amount of sleep each night exhibit fewer emotional outbursts, such as anger, and display fewer aggressive behaviours.

 A 2018 research from Iowa State University and published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology showed that losing a few hours of sleep at night can make you angrier and less competent to cope with frustrating situations.

For Ishimwe, sleep is an essential part of our lives. We need seven to eight hours of sleep each night to maintain good mental and physical health. Less than adequate sleep is known as sleep deprivation and when an individual has multiple consecutive days of sleep deprivation, they change in mood and behaviour.

If you feel angry, before having any reaction, practice deep breathing exercises, count from one to 10, go away for some minutes, journal, or listen to relaxing music, she adds.

"Sleep deprivation negatively affects attention, concentration, and judgment. This affects one’s ability to perform tasks that require logical reasoning or complex thoughts, however, some of the tips to sleep better and enough are; have a routine of going to sleep at the same time each night, avoid screen one hour before going to sleep, evade caffeine before going to sleep, shun eating heavy food for dinner and design your room in a comfortable way,” Ishimwe says.

Scientists note that unmanaged anger can lead to a variety of health issues including hypertension, depression, anxiety, and so forth. It can also interfere with your performance at work. So, managing your emotions and keeping your calm is extremely essential for your overall well-being.

Health Shots, an online wellness platform, states that you should avoid things and people that can frustrate you, try avoiding any confrontation that can frustrate you further. Also, do away with any task that tests your patience. And take a nap if you can. Even a mere 20 minutes nap during the day can energise your brain and body.