Modern times can make us feel very stressed. Along with the looming pandemic, financial and social problems that make it harder for people to relax or sleep peacefully. Trying to get a good night’s sleep while stressed is a difficult feat, as CNN explains:
Let's say you have been feeling extra overwhelmed lately. That, Breus said, prompts your body to release cortisol, the primary stress hormone. This coincides with sugar (or glucose) entering the bloodstream, which elevates your blood pressure.
Next thing you know, Breus said, your muscles tense up, your heart pumps faster and your brain kicks into overdrive. It's the old fight-or-flight response you learned about in grade school. In other words, your body is now in survival mode.
That is what makes falling asleep very tricky.
When that stress persists week after week, the body adjusts to the higher cortisol levels. This continues to prevent you from getting quality shut-eye but can also lead to serious problems like heart disease, hypertension, diabetes and depression, according to Breus.
CNN recommends some apps that can help you fall asleep even in these difficult times. Check their full list here.
Image via CNN