Learn How Stress Affects Sleep (and Sleep Affects Stress)
Similar to a chicken and an egg, stress and sleep are linked and it may be the eighth wonder of the world, as no one is sure which came first.
Stress and sleep (or sleep and stress) form a cycle that can either promote health or contribute to ongoing struggles. When people experience stress, whether from work, relationships, or daily concerns, it often takes a toll on their ability to sleep. Stress triggers the body’s fight-or-flight response, elevating cortisol levels and making it difficult to relax and fall asleep.
When stress becomes chronic, this heightened alertness can cause sleep problems, such as insomnia, sleep anxiety, or racing thoughts; which further increases stress the next day and prohibits a good night of sleep. It creates a vicious cycle of broken sleep problems where poor sleep worsens stress and increased stress makes it even harder to get the sleep you need.
Is Sleep Good for Stress and Anxiety?
Sleep is incredibly beneficial for both stress and anxiety. Quality sleep helps the body regulate emotions, reduces cortisol levels, and promotes better cognitive function, all of which make it easier to cope with stress during waking hours. Inadequate sleep not only impairs judgment and emotional regulation but can also increase anxiety levels, making everyday tasks more overwhelming. Getting a good night’s sleep is important to manage and reduce stress.
How to Sleep When Very Stressed
If you’ve ever found yourself lying in bed, unable to sleep, with a racing mind fueled by anxious thoughts, you are not alone. Stress often leads to a restless mind, making it hard to unwind even after a long day. People experiencing mind racing can’t sleep anxiety may struggle with falling asleep and staying asleep and sleep anxiety symptoms, which exacerbates stress.
Practicing good sleep hygiene (such as eliminating blue light within an hour of bedtime, refraining from large meals/alcohol/caffeine too close to bedtime, and having a comfortable sleeping environment including a cool temperature, quiet, dark, and a peaceful environment), in addition to effectively managing stress is essential to get a good night’s rest and enjoying good sleep quality long-term.
NuCalm Rescue, PowerNap, and FlowState uses patented neuroacoustic software that reliably and predictably stops stress in the mind and body and helps you be balanced. Regular use of NuCalm Rescue, PowerNap, and FlowSate is clinically proven to improve sleep quality.
What to Do if You Can’t Sleep Because of Stress
You can learn how to sleep when stressed and anxious ** ** and incorporate lifestyle changes that will help. We will focus on effectively managing stress with NuCalm since it’s such an essential part of good sleep quality and it’s as easy as pressing a button after you sign up for the ** ** 7-day free trial.
Use NuCalm Rescue in an immersive experience during the day to resolve stress which will chip away at cumulative stress that prohibits easy onset of sleep. Use DeepSleep at night when you are ready to fall asleep. If you wake in the middle of the night and have difficulty falling back asleep, you can restart DeepSleep (if it’s more than 3 hours away from your desired wake-up time) or use Rescue in an immersive experience. It’s common to experience racing thoughts or worry about falling back asleep (and even calculating how much sleep you might get if you fall asleep at a specific time and how you may or may not feel well as a result). You can get rid of the worry and stress by using Rescue. You will likely fall back asleep, so set an alarm on your mobile device so you wake if needed.
Why Can’t I Sleep When Stressed?
Stress directly interferes with your body’s natural sleep processes. When you’re stressed, your body releases hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, which are intended to keep you awake and alert in times of danger. This natural response, however, makes it challenging to settle down for sleep, even when you want to. The symptoms of lack of sleep and stress often include irritability, difficulty concentrating, and heightened anxiety, which can perpetuate both stress and insomnia.
How to Fix Insomnia Due to Stress
When stress becomes overwhelming, it can lead to insomnia, making it feel impossible to get a good night’s rest. Many people find that they can’t sleep due to stress and anxiety, as their worries prevent them from relaxing. Consistent bedtime routines, good sleep hygiene, and effective stress management like regular NuCalm use are necessary to fix insomnia.