When we talk about stress, we tend to associate it with something extremely negative when in reality, it is a simple physical and emotional reaction that is quite natural and, as long as the right amount is produced, it can be useful. Of course, if we look at it from a more excessive point of view, it can bring serious consequences such as physical and mental deterioration and even, it is a fact that stress impacts sleep.
Stress can be defined as that physical reaction capable of activating a state of alert in the human body to prepare it for a risky situation or one that requires quick action. In this way, it can vary and present itself as acute or chronic stress.
When we talk about acute stress, it is described as that which occurs in the short term and is experienced occasionally. This type of stress can occur in such risky situations, activating the body and mind to adapt to the danger and subsequently resolve it.
Now, when we talk about chronic stress, we refer to a constant condition which, in the long run, becomes harmful. This is capable of keeping the body and mind in a constant state of alert and from here, health problems can arise.
This condition contributes to countless health problems such as: digestive problems, headaches, induced asthma attacks, mood disorders causing depression and anxiety, as well as it can also make sleep difficult and increase the risk of disorders.
Process of How Stress Impacts Sleep
As we mentioned earlier, stress is an important process for the body because it is a survival mechanism in dangerous situations, but when this is maintained over a prolonged period, it can negatively affect the body and trigger health problems at different levels.
Problems can be seen at the hormonal function level since, when the body is exposed to a threat, the production of hormones that cause stress such as adrenaline, noradrenaline, and cortisol increases; thus, they are capable of triggering other physical changes and allow the body to remain in fight or flight mode. In this way, during chronic stress, these hormones are activated unnecessarily.
On the other hand, muscle problems are also seen, tensing all of them during the stress process. Here, if the reaction is not reduced, chronic muscle tension can cause painful back and head conditions.
Also, one of the most severe impacts can be seen at the respiratory level. Here, stress can make breathing shorter and faster, while for people with a history of respiratory conditions such as asthma or lung diseases, it can be worse.
The impact on blood pressure is also significant because the hormones activated by stress cause certain blood vessels to dilate and increase blood pressure. It is worth noting that continuous stress can cause inflammation and increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Traumatic stress is also a type of chronic stress that can occur when a person is exposed to a traumatic event. While many people can cope over time with the effects of some experienced trauma, sometimes the body's response to stress can be prolonged and begin to interfere with other parts of a person's life.
Relationship Between Sleep and Stress
Although we have already mentioned what stress is and its repercussions at the physical and mental level, it is also important to note that stress has a very close relationship with sleep and that they have a bidirectional relationship.
Stress is one of the main causes of sleep loss and poor rest. But the reverse also happens, and that is, lack of sleep can generate a lot of stress. Although the link between sleep and stress goes much further, research can show that there are several effects of stress on sleep.
And stress is responsible for making it more difficult to fall asleep and, therefore, people who suffer from chronic stress are the most likely to suffer from insomnia, a common sleep disorder that, in most cases, develops due to prolonged stress.
Here the sleep structure can be altered. Although this is still under investigation, those who study it assure that stress can reduce “slow-wave sleep,” which is extremely important to maintain physical and mental health.
Besides being the main cause of insomnia, stress can also interrupt sleep. The individual who suffers from it will not only wake up during the rest hour, but can also suffer nightmares or even sleep paralysis.
Even, in some cases, sleep bruxism is also present, which is a disorder that involves clenching and grinding teeth during the night. At this point, chronic stress and muscle tension can increase the risk of suffering from it.
How can stress be reduced and rest improved?
It is normal for many days to be filled with work or personal problems, but one must learn to balance them, as well as dedicate good hours to sleep and rest.
It may seem insignificant, but with this pathology that affects sleep and rest, anything that makes us feel comfortable, even physically, must be taken into account, especially when it comes to sleeping and achieving rest.
Therefore, the use of appropriate clothing at bedtime should be considered, such as men's pajamas since it is an ideal garment to start that path towards the development of a therapy for improvement.
Of course, developing a plan to deal with stress is a fundamental step to prevent sleep from being interrupted, and undoubtedly a comfortable garment like a good pajama, characterized by improving sleep or maintaining comfort, will be the best companion when starting to work on yourself.
The use of comfortable clothing should be considered in a disciplined manner. And it is that pajamas can come in countless cuts, colors, fabrics, and more. So there is plenty to choose from.
Anxiety and Sleep
Severe sleep disorders, including insomnia, have long been recognized as a common symptom of anxiety disorders. People who suffer from this and are usually plagued by worries often reflect on them in bed, and anxiety can also cause problems falling asleep.
For this reason, it is important to emphasize that, although developing a more organized routine to avoid stress or anxiety at all costs is important, it is also necessary to respect sleep schedules. Thus, fulfilling a relaxation routine and opting for the use of a sufficiently comfortable pajama and, as we mentioned earlier, doing so in a disciplined manner to ensure comfort when sleeping.