The Mechanisms and Boundary Conditions Linking Sleep Duration to Work-Related Functioning

Abstract

Research suggests that sleep is linked to work-related functioning. Moreover, recent studies have identified individual traits and organisational boundary conditions that modulate this relation. However, moderators identified so far are relatively stable and difficult to change for employees themselves. In addition, the mechanisms underlying the link between sleep and work remain largely unexplored. In the present study, we address these gaps by examining first, implicit theories about willpower (i.e., believing that regulatory resource availability is limited rather than non-limited) as a malleable protective resource that moderates the relation between sleep and regulatory resource availability, and second the interplay of regulatory resource availability and motivational processes in the form of basic needs satisfaction as a mechanism linking good sleep to work-related functioning. To develop our research model, we integrate notions on sleep and self-control, implicit theories about willpower, and self-determination. We test our model in two daily diary studies across 10 days with samples of N=51 (Study 1) and N=145 (Study 2) employees. Findings from both studies consistently reveal that the relation between sleep and regulatory resource availability is stronger for individuals holding a limited- as compared to a non-limited resource theory. Moreover, as hypothesized, we find mediating effects of regulatory resource availability and basic needs satisfaction on work engagement, as well as in- and extra- role performance as indicators of work-related functioning. Subsequently, we discuss theoretical and practical implications as well as limitations of our research.