The Effect of Sleep Quality on Aesthetic Sensitivity and Emotional Empathy: A Behavioral Study

Abstract

Sleep is an essential physiological process known to influence emotion regulation, cognitive performance, and psychological well-being. While prior studies have examined its role in memory and attention, fewer have investigated how sleep quality affects higher-order psychological functions such as empathy and aesthetic sensitivity. This study aims to explore the relationship between self-reported sleep quality, emotional empathy, and the ability to perceive beauty in visual stimuli. Participants completed a brief sleep questionnaire (adapted from the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), the Toronto Empathy Questionnaire, and rated a set of diverse images based on perceived beauty and emotional impact. Results will be analyzed to determine whether individuals with better sleep quality score higher on empathy and aesthetic appreciation. The study provides insight into the broader psychological effects of sleep and suggests potential implications for understanding how restorative sleep supports complex emotional and perceptual processes.