How to Manage Stress for Better Sleep

Believe it or not, high amounts of stress have been proven to be linked with poor sleep and an increased likelihood of sleep disorders. In other words, getting a relaxing and peaceful sleep might be difficult if you are undergoing stress. This is because when your body is stressed, your brain goes into a “flight or flight” state and has less energy to perform normal day-to-day activities such as sleeping. The “flight or flight” state can also make you more vulnerable to noises during your sleep, which can wake you up constantly and disrupt your night. Thus, it is important to learn how to manage your stress wisely to ensure better sleep.

 

One of the most common and feasible solutions is to practice proper sleep hygiene habits, such as practicing a bedtime ritual, keeping a cool temperature in the room, avoiding naps and not using screens at least an hour before you go to sleep. These habits can help enhance relaxation, reduce stress levels and induce restful sleep. Additionally, it is importance to reframe your mindset when going to sleep and induce a positive emotional state. This is because stress can lead you to think negative and pessimistic thoughts that can consequently disrupt your sleep. A beneficial way to reduce these thoughts is to practice mindfulness an hour or two before going to sleep. Common mindfulness practices include meditation and journaling, which will allow you to focus on your senses and relax your mind and body. These practices can relieve your stress and ultimately, lead to better sleep.

 

It is not a surprise that the COVID-19 pandemic might have left you stressed over the past year. However, by practicing mindfulness and reducing your stress levels, it can lead to better sleep and leave you relaxed to start the next day.