Stress and Sleeping

The amount of sleep you get each night has a significant impact on your stress levels during the day. According to the American Psychological Association, the average American adult only gets 6.7 hours of sleep per night, which is considerably below the recommended 8-9 hours. But one APA study from 2013 argues that, if Americans got more sleep each night, they would be healthier and happier.

The Need for Sleep

When we sleep, our bodies have a chance to recover and repair themselves for the next day. According to the APA, this is when our brains consolidate our memories, and when our muscles can finally relax and repair. When we don’t get enough sleep, we might lash out at loved ones, fall asleep at the wheel, or be less productive at work. In some cases, people who do not get enough sleep are at a higher risk of developing health complications such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

Manage Your Stress

When we are stressed out during the day, it is often hard to fall asleep at night. You may lie awake in bed for 45 minutes or an hour before falling asleep, which in turn shortens your period of sleep, leaving you more irritated the next day. It’s a vicious cycle.

One way to break the cycle is to manage your stress during the day. Not only will stress management leave you feeling healthier and happier, but it will also let you fall asleep more easily. Some ways to reduce stress are:

• Learn how to say no when you already have too much on your plate. This could be at a job or in your social life. If you explain to your friends or supervisors that you’re already too busy, they should understand and respect that.
• Set aside an hour each day for a relaxing activity. This could be yoga, pilates, baking, reading, playing with your dog, or writing in a journal. Try to stay away from screens to give your eyes and your brain a break.
• Ask for help. If you find that you are constantly overwhelmed with the stresses in your life, you might want to seek out help from a therapist or counselor.

It can be hard to prioritize self-care but remember that you not only deserve sleep and stress relief, but your health also depends on them.

Contact Silent Night Therapy

If your daytime stress is getting in the way of your sleep schedule, or if poor sleep leaves you feeling irritable and groggy, you might want to get in touch with a sleep therapist. At Silent Night Therapy, our specialists can help come up with a plan to get you a better night’s sleep. Whether you are suffering from sleep apnea or another sleep disorder, we are ready to assist you. Please call our number at 631-983-2463 to schedule your appointment today.