I think we can all agree that “2020 was a crazy year” is a significant understatement. Many of us have been forced into major changes to our lives, and most of the time change comes stress. With stress comes lack of sleep. If you find that you can’t sleep because of stress, keep reading.
A lack of sleep can cause anxiety and depression, diminish focus and can even cause some health issues. When life becomes stressful and your to-do list becomes longer, sleep usually falls to the bottom of the list because our minds tells us that’s when we’re least productive.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
Sleep and the immune system are deeply connected, and the quality and quantity of sleep has a direct effect on your immune system. Your immune system works at its best when you receive the necessary quantity and quality of sleep, which is usually around 7 to 8 hours per day.
Tips for when you can’t sleep because of stress
- Quit the work talk early
Sometimes when we live and breathe our work, we tend to continue with the conversations (whether with others or ourselves) well into the night. While getting work talk out of your system is great for you, it isn’t healthy if you find yourself obsessing over work issues. Make a conscious effort to not talk or think about work after a certain hour, and leave work talk out of the bedroom. For example, after dinner, rather than talking or thinking about work, do something else that you enjoy. It will, in turn, alleviate your stress levels and make a world of difference to your sleep. It might take time for you to train your mind – but do your best to remain aware of your thoughts, and in time your habits will change.
- Go to bed at the same time every night
Some of the most successful people in the world develop good habits for themselves. One of these habits includes going to bed at not only a reasonable hour but at the same hour every night. By doing this, you establish a routine that your body recognises and accepts.
- No screens!
This should be obvious but can still be a tough habit to break. Not only do screens keep us awake due to the blue light, but it can also create too much activity in our brains and keep us awake for longer. Opt for a good book, do some affirmation writing, or you can go a step further and start meditation.
- Your bedroom space
Last but not least, if you can’t sleep because of stress, focus on creating a comfortable bedroom that welcomes sleep. Do a Google search to find some great ideas for colours that bring relaxing energies, invest in some black-out curtains, buy new pillows and sheets, or even including some indoor plants in your room. A safe and peaceful space for your mind can bring a world of difference into your night.
Of course, the most important piece of furniture in a slumber-inducing bedroom is a comfortable mattress. In almost every case, a poor quality, old or worn mattress is an overlooked factor in insomnia. If you’ve been sinking into an old bed that’s lost its shape your body is not being supported and your unique sleeping posture isn’t being accommodated. If your mattress is too firm or too soft, you might experience back and joint pains. Sealy’s exclusive Posturepedic Technology™ mattresses are built strategically to help provide proper support for the entire body, comfort for a great night’s sleep and durability for peace of mind. Orthopedically correct mattress design fully supports the body while at the same time relieving pressure points, allowing the body to fully relax.
2020 was difficult for many of us. If one thing can make this all a little easier, its sleep. Place it at the top of your list, be conscious of your sleeping habits and create new routines. You’ll see a world of difference in yourself once you do.
