Risk, Protective, and Mechanistic Factors Associated with Sleep-Related Aggression and Violence

The link between disrupted sleep and aggression has become a focal point in both experimental and observational research, with recent studies solidifying the link between sleep disturbances and aggressive behavior. This chapter delves into the conceptual models that explain the diverse pathways through which sleep disruption can heighten the likelihood of engaging in aggression. Based on the framework proposed by Krizan and Herlache (Psychol Violence 6(4):542–552, https://doi.org/10.1037/vio0000018, 2016), we examine how various forms of sleep disruption can lead to aggression via affective, cognitive, and lowered inhibition pathways. We also explore the bidirectional nature of this association, investigating how aggression itself can disrupt sleep. Lastly, we introduce general risk and protective factors that shape an individual’s susceptibility to aggression when faced with poor sleep, offering a nuanced perspective on the multifaceted nature of this phenomenon.