Sleep allows our bodies and brains to recharge and rejuvenate to face another day filled with challenges and a full load of schedule. But when we don’t get enough sleep, we don’t get its total benefits for the body, and such include improved mood, good judgment, memory consolidation and muscle repair.
With sleep deprivation, you can suffer from feelings of listlessness. It can also lead to safety risk while driving (due to poor concentration and judgment). And when this cycle of lack of sleep continues, it can also lead to a myriad of health problems, such as high blood pressure and heart attack.
One thing is interfering with sleep, according to certain studies – and that’s stress. This keeps teenagers and adults from getting enough sleep needed to be healthy.
How does stress affect sleep?
Stress affects sleep quality. It happens because of constant worry and anxiousness you’re feeling while lying in bed. Without even saying, this negative state of mind can make it hard to even relax and ultimately sleep.
When you’re feeling worried, your brain just cannot shut off and rest. If it is happening to you, you’re not alone. It is especially true if you’re suffering from chronic stress every single day of your life. When this happens, you will find it hard to get quality sleep and function properly the next day.
Chronic stress, which is also characterized by boosted levels of stress hormones, leads to continued sleep deprivation.
Did you know? Certain brain chemicals helping us get deep sleep are also those telling our body to stop producing stress hormones. So if you don’t get enough sleep, your body also produces stress hormones, which pumping also peaks early in the evening just about when you’re supposed to be preparing for sleep.
As a result, you feel more exhausted and stressed the following day, leading to lack of focus at work. And when you do, you feel more stressed because you can’t get your job done on time and with satisfaction. Lack of sleep also leads to mood swings and irritability that can affect your relationships.
Now if you continue suffering from chronic stress, you’re also at higher risk of developing a heart disease, suffering from a high blood pressure or weakened immune system. More downsides also include stomach issues and feeling of constant sluggishness.
Tips to beat stress and sleep better, no matter what
- Go to bed and wake up the same time daily.
- Keep your room cool, quiet and dark, possibly without a computer or TV.
- Take short naps, ideally less than an hour.
- Exercise in the afternoon.
- Daylight can help you develop a sleep pattern. Go outdoors for at least 30 minutes to establish it.
- Go to your doctor and review medications that might be containing stimulants that can prevent you from sleeping at night.
- Listen to music or read a book before bed. It can help you feel sleepy.
Now you know how stress affects sleep and vice versa and how lack of sleep and too much stress can affect your health in many ways. Don’t let stress take control of your life and affect sleep quality. As you already know, too little sleep can make you irritable and moody and increase your risk of developing depression. Use these tips to help you achieve better sleep, no matter what.
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