3 Reasons why you can’t sleep
We're all familiar with how a restless night can sour our mood the next day. But have you ever considered the reverse? Your daytime experiences can significantly impact your quality of sleep. Let's delve into the three main suspects that might be sabotaging your slumber:
When anxiety strikes or we feel overwhelmed, our brains switch into "fight or flight" mode, unleashing adrenaline to rev up our hearts, tense our muscles, and boost glucose levels. Simultaneously, cortisol, the stress hormone, floods our system. Unfortunately, heightened stress and anxiety can disrupt the production of melatonin, the hormone crucial for preparing our bodies for sleep.
Anxiety doesn't just affect our mental state; it can also disrupt the daily habits vital for a good night's sleep. Whether it's feeling too overwhelmed to exercise or burning the midnight oil to tackle extra tasks, stress can throw a wrench into our sleep routine. Additionally, while alcohol may offer temporary relief, it ultimately undermines sleep quality.
Ever found yourself unable to sleep because... you can't sleep? It's a vicious cycle indeed. Research shows that getting less than six hours of sleep per night heightens the sensitivity of our amygdala, the brain region responsible for the stress response. In other words, after a night of tossing and turning, we become more reactive to negative events, amplifying our stress levels.
Sleep transcends mere physical rest; it's a sophisticated process intricately involved in regulating the synthesis of mood-enhancing neurotransmitters and hormones like serotonin and dopamine.
However, when sleep deprivation sets in, a plethora of mood-related challenges can surface, ranging from irritability to depression and anxiety. This initiates a detrimental cycle, as heightened stress and anxiety further hinder the ability to fall and stay asleep.
But fear not! Armed with effective techniques, you can learn to manage stress and anxiety before bedtime, ensuring a night of blissful sleep awaits you. Join us throughout Mental Health Awareness month as we unveil our top in-house strategies to help you set aside angst and pave the way for better sleep. Stay tuned and subscribed to ensure you don't miss out on any valuable insights.
