Sleep deprivation has been shown to be an stimulant of artistic capabilities but there always has been a bit of conjecture involved where sleep is concerned.
But this much is without a doubt clear that sleep deprivation decreases productivity and can be harmful in the long run. This new bit of research that you have mentioned here is pretty much in line with the previous ideas.

Even if we think logically, a sleep deprived brain would be struggling to keep with the very basic demands of our daily routine. I doubt it would be much interested in social niceties. This kind of situation couldn't possibly be good for our social lives.