Introduction and Background: Sleep Disruption as a Pathway to Aggression and Violence

The interplay between sleep and aggression has emerged as a critical area of inquiry. This chapter delves into the significance of the often-overlooked relationship between these two phenomena, shedding light on the potential for healthy sleep to mitigate the risk of aggression and violence. The chapter begins by describing the individual costs and consequences associated with disrupted sleep and aggression. Then, we review existing empirical evidence, emphasizing the strong body of support indicating that sleep disturbances significantly elevate the likelihood of engaging in physical or verbal aggression, particularly when provoked. The chapter concludes by underscoring the necessity of further exploration into this significant relationship, with a focus on unraveling potential mechanisms that underlie it. Understanding the links between sleep and aggression is critical for formulating effective preventive and therapeutic interventions, improving societal well-being, and fostering a safer and more harmonious environment.