Ever feel like the more stressed you are, the harder it is to unwind? That’s no coincidence. Stress and sleep are so closely connected, and when stress takes over, our ability to relax and drift into deep rest can become a challenge. The culprit? You may already have guessed it . Cortisol, your body’s primary stress hormone keeps you in a heightened state of alertness, making it tough to settle into sleep.
If you’ve ever struggled to fall asleep, stayed awake replaying the day’s events, or woken up feeling unrefreshed, stress may be playing a part.
How Stress Impacts Sleep
Elevated Cortisol Levels
Chronic stress keeps cortisol elevated, disrupting your natural sleep-wake cycle. Usually, cortisol levels decrease in the evening, signalling to your body that it’s time to rest. But when stress is high, your body can get stuck in ‘fight or flight’ mode, unable to fully relax.
Racing Thoughts
Mental stress can lead to a busy mind, making it difficult to switch off. Lying in bed with your thoughts racing, replaying conversations, or worrying about the to-do list for tomorrow? You’re not alone, stress may be affecting your ability to relax.
Poor Sleep Quality
Even if you manage to fall asleep, stress can affect the depth of your rest. You might wake frequently, experience restless sleep, and wake up feeling fatigued instead of recharged.