When we talk about stress, we tend to associate it with something extremely negative when in reality, it is a simple and quite natural physical and emotional reaction and, as long as the right amount occurs, it can be useful. Of course, if we look at it from a more excessive knit 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 the one that 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. It is capable of keeping the body and mind in a state of constant alertness, and from this, health problems can arise.
This condition contributes to a myriad of health problems such as: digestive issues, headaches, induced asthma attacks, mood disorders causing depression and anxiety, as well as potentially making sleep difficult and increasing the risk of disorders.
PProcess 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 it is sustained over a prolonged period, it can negatively affect the body and trigger health problems at various levels.
Hormonal function problems can be seen since, when the body is exposed to a threat, the production of stress-related hormones such as adrenaline, noradrenaline, and cortisol increases; thus, they are capable of triggering other physical changes and allow the body to remain in a fight or flight position. In this way, during chronic stress, these hormones are activated unnecessarily.
On the other hand, muscle problems are also observed, with all these muscles tensing 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 cause breathing to become 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 stress-activated hormones cause certain blood vessels to dilate and increase blood pressure. It is important to note 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 may cope over time with the effects of a lived trauma, sometimes the body's response to stress can be prolonged and begins 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 levels, 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, as 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 it is that 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 structure of sleep may be altered. Although this is still under investigation, those who study it assure that stress can reduce "slow-wave sleep," which is extremely important for maintaining physical and mental health.
In addition to being the main cause of insomnia, stress is also capable of interrupting sleep. The individual who experiences it will not only wake up during the rest period, but may also suffer from nightmares or even sleep paralysis.
Even, in some cases, sleep bruxism is also present, which is a disorder that involves clenching and grinding the teeth during the night. At this knit, 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 a good number of hours to sleep and rest.
It may seem insignificant, but with this condition that affects sleep and rest, we must consider anything that makes us feel comfortable, even physically, especially when it comes to sleeping and achieving rest.
Therefore, it is important to consider wearing appropriate clothing when sleeping, such as men's pajamas, as they are an ideal garment to begin the path towards developing 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 such as 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 the fact is, 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 difficulties falling asleep.
Therefore, it is important to emphasize that, while developing a more organized routine to avoid stress or anxiety at all costs is important, it is also necessary to respect sleep schedules. Thus, following 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.