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The impact of stress on sleep from "summary" of Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers by Robert M. Sapolsky
Stress and sleep have a complicated relationship, and stress can significantly impact our ability to get a good night's rest. When we are stressed, our bodies release cortisol, a hormone that helps us deal with immediate threats. However, when stress becomes chronic, cortisol levels stay elevated, disrupting our sleep patterns. Cortisol has a natural daily rhythm, with levels peaking in the morning to help us wake up and gradually decreasing throughout the day to help us fall asleep. But when we are under chronic stress, cortisol levels may remain high at night, making it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep. Furthermore, stress can also trigger the release of adrenaline, another hormone that prepares our bodies for fight or flight. Adrenaline can increase our heart rate, blood pressure, and alertness, making it hard to relax and fall asleep. In addition to hormonal changes, stress can also affect our sleep by causing racing thoughts and worries that keep us awake at night. When our minds are preoccupied with stressors, it can be challenging to quiet our thoughts and drift off to sleep. Moreover, stress can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms like overeating, excessive drinking, or using substances to relax. These behaviors can further disrupt our sleep and create a vicious cycle of stress and poor sleep.- The impact of stress on sleep is significant and can have long-term consequences for our physical and mental health. Finding healthy ways to cope with stress and establishing bedtime routines can help improve our sleep quality and overall well-being.
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