The impact of stress on sleep

With everything that’s going on in the world, it’s no wonder stress is harming our sleep. 63% of adults report they try to avoid stress triggers before bed, like reading work emails or discussing finances, but it can be difficult to shut these thoughts out completely.

A growing problem

Our chronic tiredness is impairing our day-to-day lives, with 29% of us feeling emotional when we’re tired. This can lead to making poorer decisions, with 32% of us eating junk food and 24% arguing with our partners as a result of not getting enough sleep

Dr Ranj’s stress-busting tips

Our Sleep and Wellness Ambassador, Dr Ranj, has some helpful tips to help beat stress. He suggests taking a moment to reflect on the things causing you stress. “Try to come up with some simple, practical steps you can take to reduce the stress they cause. Then, in your own time, begin tackling each of these action points. Start with the easier ones to gain some momentum. As you deal with each stressor, your stress levels should come down and your confidence to deal with future stress should go up.”

Make sure your bed is right for you

One thing that can really improve your sleep quality is choosing the best bed, mattress, and pillow for you. Finding the right balance of comfort and support is crucial for getting the most restful sleep you can.

Watch your intake

It can be tempting to reach for the sugar and caffeine when we’re tired, but if you do this in the afternoon or evenings, it could be ruining your sleep

For more help

For more help contact The National Sleep Helpline telephone number is 03303 530541

The service is available five days per week, Sunday to Thursday, 7pm-9pm

Calls are charged at local landline rate.