Health

How to manage the continuous cycle of stress and sleep

Written by miravvi Editor 20th June 2022

The connection between stress and sleep is strong and can often be seen as an inverse relationship – poor sleep can increase feelings of anxiety and stress and vice versa. There is an opportunity for a continuous cycle that can be exhausting and relentless. However, Dr Suveer Singh is the director of sleep medicine and a respiratory physician at Chelsea and Westminster hospital and One Welbeck. He offers special lectures on the exploration of the effects of stress on the way that we sleep and our overall health. Often, we can feel like we are alone when facing personal issues, but there is no truth to be held here. Read on to find out the most effective stress and sleep management strategies:

Take some gentle breaths

Although it sounds like such a simplistic technique, it is known to be one of the most effective and calming routes to take when that vicious cycle begins. Move your body into a comfortable position and allows your eyes to close – this creates a relaxed atmosphere for your body and sends notions for your brain to enter a stage of tranquillity. Take slow and mindful breaths – inhale, exhale and repeat, some people even relax their hands over their stomachs to connect to their own breath. This example of breathwork is one that many people rely on to communicate their inner and outer selves and ultimately find peace between that barrier of stress and a lack of sleep.

Find moments to be grateful

Finding moments in the day to be grateful and appreciate all that you have is a technique that eases stress and sets your mind up for a feeling of bliss. Taking the time to indulge in positive thoughts will ultimately mould your brain into a growth mindset, thus minimising levels of stress and conjuring up a sense of ease when it comes to bedtime. Clear your mind and those days of blissful sleep will follow behind.

Organisation is key

Finding moments in the day to be grateful and appreciate all that you have is a technique that eases stress and sets If you take the time to physically de-clutter, you are unconsciously de-cluttering your mind, too! Keeping areas tidy, organised and accessible eliminates moments of panic if something unexpected arises in your day, which ultimately leads to the creation of a calmer atmosphere. Living around calmness and tranquillity is exactly what your mind needs for a blissful night of rest.