Taking care of our minds is a priority for us nowadays. There are professionals to do so assist us if we need them. As our mental and physical wellness means a lot to us, we have to take extra care on this matter. A good night’s sleep also makes us so relaxed from all our worries. But most people approach clinics to get sleeping pills or other therapies to get a good sleep. It is the first thing to understand the relationship between stress and sleep. Increased stress can make it harder to get the sleep we need. Harvard University called sleep the “latest casualty” of the pandemic and warned that people could be at greater risk of developing sleep problems like insomnia.
Biologically there is a reason for this. Your body releases cortisol when you’re stressed which is called stress hormone. This coincides with sugar, or glucose, entering the bloodstream, which elevates your blood pressure. Soon, your muscles are tensing up, your heart is pumping, and your brain is working overtime.
Stress-giving situations can be many in our lives like high-pressure jobs, money worries, divorce, the death of a family member, or, as many people are experiencing lately, anxiety over situations like the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to experts loneliness also can lead us to stress. They continue to research why loneliness drives chronic stress, but one potential reason could be evolutionary: thousands of years ago, we were safer when traveling and living with a group, rather than on our own. That feeling is still pre-programmed into our DNA and is likely one of the reasons loneliness leads to stress level spikes.
To get rid out of this, — especially if you’re living out of your people and community — find time to talk to your friends and relatives. Phone calls are great, or you set up a Zoom or Skype call to catch up with people you haven’t seen in a while. Whatever it is, just put in that extra effort right now to stay connected to those you care most about.
Another thing also is related to stress. Poor sleep can also lead to increased stress and anxiety, making this a vicious cycle that can be difficult to break out of. Remember that a good night’s sleep is your foundation: it helps your immune system function better, helps your brain and memory function better, and helps reduce stress. This, in turn, will help you get better sleep.