Argh! I can’t take it anymore! I don’t see a way out? I’m afraid? I’m so exhausted. Stress and Sleep!
Stress: “a state of mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or demanding circumstances.”
Oxford Dictionary
Stress, anxiety, & tension are hitting levels in 2020 that we have never seen before, many things out of our control. Homeschooling and working from home just don’t work. You have no idea if your job will still be there in a few months or maybe you already lost your job. We turn on the TV and all we hear scares us and we’re not sure if we’ll ever get back to normal, whatever that is. All the buzz, the fears, doubts, anxiety and stress just boils to the top and as we lay in bed at night we sense a good night of sleep slipping away. Sleep and Stress are not two friends that co-exist well.
A study out of Japan is one of many that point to the idea that stress adversely affects how we sleep. Then we find ourselves in a dirty cycle that we can’t get out of. When we don’t sleep then we find ourselves even more stressed. Stress and Sleep. More stress, less sleep. Less sleep, more stress. Just thinking about it causes our blood pressure to rise.
Adults with high stress are also more likely than those with low stress to say they feel the effects of getting too little sleep:
- Sixty-eight percent say they feel sluggish or lazy versus 36 percent of adults with low stress.
- Fifty-nine percent say they are irritable versus 20 percent of adults with low stress.
- Forty-five percent say they have trouble concentrating versus 12 percent of adults with low stress.
- Forty-five percent say they feel more stressed versus five percent of adults with low stress.
- Twenty-seven percent say they feel sad or depressed versus two percent of adults with low stress. American Psychology Association
How can we break the cycle? What will it take to get out of the lack of sleep and stress loop?
We, at Infinitemoon, are committed to helping you find rest, comfort and sleep, inside and outside the bedroom. Here are a 6 Sleep and Stress Tips to help you move along in this journey to health and wellness:
1. Consult with a Doctor and/or Psychiatrist
In some cases your stress and sleep issues are severe and there maybe some physiological or psychological issues that need to be addressed. If you think you’re issues are severe visit your doctor to talk through your concerns so they can give you some direction and help.
2. Practice Relaxation Techniques
Deep breathing and meditation through out the day and especially at night before bedtime might work for you to help you deal the things buzzing through your head.
3. Gratitude Journal
We love this practice as it sets our mind and heart on the great accomplishments, conversations, relationships, views and adventures we have experienced that particular day. Take 5 minutes each night on a bedside journal to write 3-5 things you are grateful for that day. It frames our thinking and mindset throughout the night and into the morning.
4. Acupuncture and/or Chiropractic Care
“There are many benefits with such treatments, and one can sleep better and have a stronger sense of well-being within a few seconds.” Anxiety Panic & Health This is why we created EverRelief as we personally experienced the benefit of acupuncture on our stress, anxiety and sleep. Just 5-15 minutes a night before bed on EverRelief relieves so much muscle tension and stress.
5. Exercise and Nutrition
The Anxiety and Depression Association of America says that “when stress affects the brain, with its many nerve connections, the rest of the body feels the impact, as well. We find that if you help your body feel better, feel strong and intake the proper nutrients the impact on stress and sleep is profound. If you think your fitness and nutrition could use a pick me up, consider asking those you trust who are fit and well what they do or who they hire for these activities. Even 1-2 mile walks a day and eating a balance diet of lean proteins, clean carbohydrates and healthy fats will have a tremendous impact in your stress and sleep.
6. Work on your Sleep Environment
Take a look around your room. Does it feel restful, calm or does it feel cluttered and hectic? Is your technology put away? Are your sheets clean, cool and inviting. We put a lot of thought, research and energy into our EverSheets and EverComfort (soon to be released organic comforters – Sept 2020) to give you the best possible quality and experience in sleep. We think you’ll be impressed with their coolness, feel, quality and durability.
Revisit our 17 Tips to Create the Ultimate Sleep Environment article from last year to help you create a great bedroom environment.
The crazy year 2020 has become doesn’t have to define who we are and how we sleep. With these stress and sleep tips we are confident you’ll be on a journey toward rest, comfort and wellness.