The Impact of Daily Romantic Relationship Stress on Objective and Subjective Sleep Quantity and Quality in Undergraduate Romantic Relationships

Abstract The goal of this study was to understand how daily relationship stress predicts the sleep quality of undergraduate students in romantic relationships, and to test if trait relationship stress moderates this association. Thirty-six college (age: 20.56 ± 1.50 years) students in romantic relationships completed online surveys assessing daily relationship stress and subjective sleep parameters in the morning and evening for 14 days while wearing an Oura ring (98% retention). Results from hierarchical linear models reveal that objective and subjective sleep were not impacted on days in which relationship stress was reported. Cumulative daily relationship stress intensity predicted minor, paradoxical declines in objective wake after sleep onset and increases in objective sleep efficiency. Trait relationship stress was associated with increased subjective sleep onset latency and reduced objective total sleep time on days during which stress and stress intensity were greater. Implications for sleep and relationship maintenance are discussed.