Researchers at Ohio State University wanted to know more about what happens on a physical level when couples have patterns of unresolved fighting.

"We tested their blood for common inflammation markers known as interleukin 6 and TNF alpha," explains lead researcher Stephanie Wilson in a university news release. "We found that when both factors came into play, a loss of sleep followed by conflict, there was about a ten percent increase in inflammation."

Researchers tested blood samples of quarreling couples before and after disagreements. The results showed that spats combined with less sleep increased measurements in their blood for inflammation.

The type of inflammation researchers found in these spatting spouses has been associated with major medical problems—heart disease, osteoporosis, type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer's disease—but only when the levels remain high over the long term.

Researchers want to reassure couples that a falling-out combined with one night of lost sleep is not a reason to worry. They are concerned with what happens when a person has a small increase in inflammation over a long period of time, like the proverbial dripping water that wears away the stone.

When there is a pattern of fighting and sleeplessness, researchers say it's time for couples to learn how to fight fair, or better yet calmly discuss areas of conflict. The alternative, having higher levels of inflammation, could mean health problems for one or both spouses.

"Sleep is a major component in all of this," says Wilson. "Couples were more hostile to each other if they both had less than the recommended 7 hours of sleep. However, if at least one partner was well-rested, there was a protective effect. They helped to neutralize the disagreement."

The silver lining coming out of this study is that couples who learn how to stay calm during clashes not only improve their marriages; they lower the inflammation levels in their blood. Peaceful conflict resolution is easier to achieve if just one person is well rested.

The study's findings were published in the May 2017 edition of the journal Psychoneuroendocrinology.

To receive daily emails from Breaking Christian News to your inbox CLICK HERE

'Get Him!': Watch as Brave Man Rescues Portion of American Flag Being Burned by 'Pro-Hamas Agitators' [Video]

A Growing Global Movement of Parents Is Keeping Their Kids Free from Smartphones

Democrat Downplays That Bill Would Cost Trump His Secret Service Detail

Teacher's Union Accused of Laundering $1.5 Million to Bankroll Dem Governor Josh Shapiro's Campaign

Dan Bongino: 9 Reasons to Vote for Kamala Harris

New Comms Director for Kamala Harris Campaign Wants to Pack the Supreme Court and Defund the Police

Pro-Life Protester Sentenced to More Than 3 Years Behind Bars for Blocking Abortion Clinic

Ben Carson Gives Perfect Defense of Pro-Life Position and Much More, in Powerful Tucker Carlson Interview [Watch]

Pastor Faced Death Threats, Had to Go into Hiding after Revealing Political Beliefs: 'I Reject the Victimhood Mentality'

'Hey Mom, I'm Trans!': The Truth About the Gender Dysphoria Deception, from a Mom in the Middle of It

These Important Election Integrity Initiatives Might Be on Your 2024 Ballot

Harris Campaign Admits to Misleading Voters on Trump, Project 2025

Pro-Harris Media Scrambles to Erase 'Border Czar' from Her Resume as GOP Highlights Her Record

House Republicans Raise American Flags at Union Station in DC after Chaotic Protesting Hamas Supporters Took Down and Burned Flags

Netanyahu Hails Israeli-US Bond, Reminds Protesters Israel the 'Land of the Bible' for 4,000 Years

'Influencing the Culture': Megachurch Equipping Churches to Mobilize Voters Ahead of November Election

Pray: Elderly Trump Supporter Run Over in Front Yard

Elon Musk Says AI Must Be 'Pro-Human,' Is Alarmed by Technological Developments

The Man and the Motive: Behind Musk's War on the 'Woke Mind Virus,' and Why He Fights for Children

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith Promises Bill Protecting Rights to Refuse Vaccines Is Coming