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

New Discoveries in Last Supper Room: Inscriptions Hidden in Walls of Biblical Site on Mount Zion

Gov Newsom Joins Trump in Seeking Federal Charges against Illegal in Fatal DUI Crash That Left Teen Couple Dead

Trump Tariff Support Surges among Small Business Owners

Trump Signs Order to Boost Deep-Sea Mining, Seeking to Break China's Critical Minerals Dominance

Tulsi Gabbard Gives the Deep State the Boot

Court Strikes Down Illinois Law Forcing Pro-Life Ministries to Promote Abortion, But Upholds Abortion Referral Mandate

Professor Who Boldly Spoke Out against Trans Mutilation of Children Wins Long Court Battle with University that Fired Him

Minnesota Heads Off 'Mass Casualty Attack' Planned for 'the Next 24 Hours'

'It Just Ignited': Pastor Says Revival Is Breaking Out in His California Church [Video]

Two Minutes of Silence for the Six Million Victims of the Holocaust

President Trump Notches Key Victory against Taxpayers' Dollars Funding Illegals across the Country

Stephen Miller to Hannity: Democrats Have Become the 'Party of Terrorists and Illegal Aliens' [Watch]

Undercover Sting Exposes Secret Network that Hides Kids for Trans Treatments, Strips 'Transphobic' Parents of Custody [WATCH]

Department of Education Spokeswoman: We 'Will Not Tolerate' States Using Gender Ideology to Strip Parental Rights

DOT Secretary Duffy Warns Blue States: Comply with Trump Orders or Lose Transportation Funding

President Trump 'Not Happy' with Russian Strikes on Kyiv: 'Vladimir STOP!'

UK to Send 'Sun-Dimming' Aerosol Injections into the Atmosphere for 'Climate Change'

HUD Secretary Scott Turner Tackling Homelessness With Heart, Hope, and Biblical Values

Pennsylvania Gov. Shapiro Says Trump Called Him About Arson Attack: 'I Appreciated That The President Called Me'

GLOBALISTS IN TURMOIL: World Economic Forum Opens Probe into Founder after Klaus Schwab Resigns