We have limits when it comes to dealing with stress. Even though it’s something we can’t avoid in life, we can’t deny the impact stress has on our well-being. When we allow it to take over our mental health, we also suffer from physical conditions that can worsen over time. These include no less than insomnia, which affects many people working in high-pressure work environments and highly demanding jobs.
There’s no harm in working hard, but when you expose yourself to increasing stress levels, you become more likely to make lifestyle choices that only worsen the cycle. Sleeplessness can amplify other symptoms of stress. Lacking a good night’s rest can affect not just your mood but also your ability to connect socially and focus as your body experiences hormonal imbalances.
These add to your stress, creating a fatal cycle. Breaking it would mean putting your cortisol and other hormone levels in check through sleep. Here’s how you can improve your sleep, fight stress, and keep it from getting worse.
Regulate Your Intake of Stimulants
You might think that drinking coffee and consuming lots of sugar-based products can help you do more at work. Stimulants allow brain activity to increase, allowing you to focus better and become more active as you enter a heightened state of alertness. This high can only last in short bursts as you develop an urge to consume more to maintain your high energy levels until the day ends.
Eventually, the rush ends and causes your body to finally crash. What’s worse about this is not just the fatigue that comes with the crash, but also a feeling of restlessness when you get ready for bed. There are more effective ways to keep yourself alert without relying on caffeine, nicotine, and sugar. Consider getting as much sunlight as you can and drinking plenty of water. You can also consume foods high in protein that work just as well to stimulate your mind and body as any of your favorite comfort foods.
Commit to a Routine
An organized life is less likely to be slowed down by stress. Coming up with a routine will help you set boundaries, allowing you to finish critical work and commit to a consistent sleeping schedule. It might seem monotonous to you if you prefer a more dynamic lifestyle, but if you’re working a job that forces you to sacrifice your free time, then it pays to come up with a daily program.
This should include ample time for your body to relax so you can fall asleep faster. Maintaining a set routine for going to bed and waking up will help regulate your body clock, reduce decision fatigue, and ensure that you get the ideal number of sleeping hours that allows you to perform optimally.
Live an Active Lifestyle
Primarily, it’s your habits and lifestyle choices that influence how well your body responds to stress and its need to rest. Along with reducing your intake of stimulants and maintaining a routine, you should also include activities that can reduce the production of stress hormones and encourage your body to slow down to make it easier for you to fall asleep.
Especially if you’re committed to a high-impact workout program, exercise can trigger your body to demand more time for cell repair and regeneration. Not only does working out boost sleep quality, but it also helps repair cells worn out by stress. These benefits can work in tandem to help improve your mood and become more physically and mentally active without any trade-offs.
Consult With a Medical Professional
More severe cases of stress may require adjustments beyond simply changing your routine and lifestyle habits. If it reaches a point where it becomes impossible to fall asleep at night, your problem with stress should be addressed with the help of a therapist specializing in treating sleeping problems caused by stress and burnout.
With the right professional, you’re provided with a custom treatment plan that aligns with your lifestyle as well as the nature of your job. They might also recommend taking medication designed to put you into a state of drowsiness that makes it easier for you to fall asleep. There are natural options you and your doctor can check out, such as Descanso de Maquilishuat, made from natural ingredients
Final Thoughts
Never allow your stressful life to get in the way of a good night’s rest. Use these tips for better sleep so you will be prepared to face anything that comes your way without any let-up.
Sources
- Arlinghaus, K. R., & Johnston, C. A. (2018). The Importance of Creating Habits and Routine. American journal of lifestyle medicine, 13(2), 142–144. https://doi.org/10.1177/1559827618818044
- Treatment | NHLBI, NIH. (2022, March 24). NHLBI, NIH. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/insomnia/treatment
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