How Stress Impacts Sleep and How to Manage It for Better Rest
Stress is a major factor that can interfere with your ability to fall asleep and stay asleep. Chronic stress can lead to sleep disorders like insomnia and disrupt your circadian rhythm. In this article, we’ll explore how stress affects your sleep and provide tips to manage stress for improved rest.
The Impact of Stress on Sleep
When you’re stressed, your body produces the hormone cortisol, which increases heart rate and keeps you alert. While this is helpful during times of danger, it can make it difficult to relax and fall asleep. Stress can lead to racing thoughts, muscle tension, and anxiety, all of which disrupt the natural process of winding down before bed.
How Chronic Stress Affects Sleep
Prolonged exposure to stress can lead to chronic sleep problems, including insomnia, poor sleep quality, and frequent awakenings throughout the night. Sleep deprivation, in turn, can exacerbate feelings of stress, creating a vicious cycle that negatively impacts both your mental and physical health.