Embracing the Night: How Sleep Eases Stress

In the symphony of life, good sleep is the silent pause that brings the music into harmony. It’s the unsung hero in our daily struggle against stress, a natural remedy that too often goes unnoticed.

The Science of Sleep and Stress

Sleep is a powerful stress reducer. Following a regular sleep routine calms and restores the body, improves concentration, regulates mood, and sharpens judgment and decision-making. You are a more resilient person when you get enough sleep: sleep makes you better able to tackle the challenges of your day⁶⁷.

Tips for Better Sleep

Here are some strategies to help you get the restful sleep you need:

• Establish a Routine: Consistency is key. Go to bed at the same time each night and get up at the same time each morning, including on weekends¹.
• Create a Restful Environment: Make sure your bedroom is quiet, dark, relaxing, and at a comfortable temperature².
• Avoid Blue Light: Human biology is designed for dark nights. Blue light activates our wake-up system, while Red Light turns it off. Read our post on Blue Light. -We will continue to add information on Blue and Red Lights and their interaction with human health-.
• Power Down: Remove electronic devices from the bedroom to help you fall asleep faster³.

Personal Stories of Transformation

Many have found that improving their sleep has had a profound impact on their stress levels. Jo from Washington DC shares, “Having an anxiety disorder means that I don’t just have a lot of feelings, I have feelings about my feelings… I thrive on routine. Anything to make me feel less trapped, like I have control.” For Jo, establishing a sleep routine was a step towards regaining control over stress[^10^].

Another story comes from an anonymous 20-year-old who found that moving away from home exacerbated their anxiety and disrupted their sleep. Therapy and a focus on better sleep habits helped them learn more about themselves and ways of coping[^10^].

Mind Restoration Practice Mental health professionals identify sleep problems as an area of concern, particularly for young people. The average person with mental illness that our professionals have encountered reported having problems sleeping.

Conclusion

As these stories show, sleep is not just a period of inactivity. It’s a state of restoration for the mind and body, a nightly reset that helps us to face each new day with strength and clarity. Embrace the night, and let sleep be your ally in the fight against stress.

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Sources:
(1) Better Sleep Can Improve Stress Response and Increase Positivity, Study …. https://www.verywellmind.com/better-sleep-can-improve-stress-response-and-help-you-enjoy-positives-study-shows-5079820.
(2) 8 Health Benefits of Sleep – Sleep Foundation. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/how-sleep-works/benefits-of-sleep.
(3) Fall asleep faster and sleep better – Every Mind Matters – NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/mental-wellbeing-tips/how-to-fall-asleep-faster-and-sleep-better/.
(4) The 20 Ultimate Tips for How to Sleep Better | Sleep Foundation. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-hygiene/healthy-sleep-tips.
(5) Tips for Better Sleep | CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about_sleep/sleep_hygiene.html.
(6) Experiences of anxiety: ‘I suddenly became so anxious I couldn’t …. https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2017/mar/31/experiences-of-anxiety-i-suddenly-became-so-anxious-i-couldnt-breathe.
(7) How to get a good nights sleep: Tips on how to sleep well – Age UK. https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/health-wellbeing/mind-body/getting-a-good-nights-sleep/.
(8) How to Fall Asleep Fast: 5 Tested Strategies – Sleep Foundation. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-hygiene/how-to-fall-asleep-fast.
(9) The Relationship Between Sleep and Stress. https://sleepdoctor.com/mental-health/stress-and-sleep/.
(10) The Overwhelming Benefits of a Power Nap – Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/power-napping-health-benefits-and-tips-stress-3144702.
(11) You’re Not Alone: My Story of Dealing With Anxiety and Why I Truly …. https://adaa.org/living-with-anxiety/personal-stories/youre-not-alone-my-story-dealing-anxiety-and-why-i-truly.
(12) Sleep, Anxiety and Me – Mind. https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/your-stories/sleep-anxiety-and-me/.
(13) 10 Relaxing Stories to Help You Fall Asleep – aurahealth.io. https://www.aurahealth.io/blog/10-relaxing-stories-to-help-you-fall-asleep.
(14) Personal Stories – Try Stress Management. https://trystressmanagement.com/category/personal-stories/.
(15) Getty Images. https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/photo/young-female-sleeping-peacefully-in-her-bedroom-at-royalty-free-image/1090813304.