We all know that sleep is essential to our health. It does so many things, from decreasing our risk of heart disease and even lowering the chances of a stroke. In fact, sleep can even help boost one’s mood and can even keep one looking young and healthy.
That being said, there is one other thing that sleep can help us with: stress. Here’s how sleep can affect our stress (in a good way):
1. Reduces Cortisol Levels
Cortisol is a hormone that is released in response to stress. It is known to be a powerful stress hormone and one that can be released when we are having sleep issues. However, cortisol levels can be reduced when a person gets a good night’s sleep. In fact, studies have shown that people with insomnia tend to have an elevated level of cortisol. But, when they get good sleep, their cortisol levels return to normal.
In other words, sleeping directly helps to reduce stress, so if you feel stressed out, don’t forget to get a good night’s rest.
2. More Optimism
Studies have shown that when a person doesn’t have enough sleep, they are more likely to be pessimistic and depressed. However, when they get a good night’s sleep, they are more likely to be more optimistic. Why is this? It’s because lack of sleep negatively impacts our ability to think clearly and make good judgments. This can cause us to become pessimistic about situations and even more depressed.
As such, sleep can help us be more optimistic about life, which helps reduce stress levels significantly.
3. Helps Us Calm Down
When we don’t get enough sleep, we tend to become tired and irritable. This can cause us to be more stressed-out than ever. As I’ve mentioned, when we are stressed, our body releases cortisol, which can cause us to feel more stressed out.
However, if we get a good night’s sleep, our body will release a different chemical called oxytocin, a hormone commonly known as the “cuddle hormone” or the “love hormone.” Oxytocin is known to help us feel calm, reduce stress and make us feel more connected. And what is the best part about oxytocin? It is known to help us manage anxiety.
4. Strengthens The Immune System
The immune system is the body’s defense system, so obviously, it’s extremely important. And guess what? Research has shown that when we sleep, our immune system gets stronger. Specifically, when we are sleep-deprived, our immune system is not as effective as it should be. However, when we get a good night’s sleep, our immune system is more effective.
As such, getting enough sleep can help strengthen your immune system, which will, in turn, help you to better defend yourself against colds and other illnesses. As a result, this also helps you worry about one thing less, meaning you can enjoy a more stress-free life.
Conclusion
There is no doubt that sleep can help us to be less stressed out. In fact, it can help us reduce stress by making us feel more optimistic, calm, and focused, which is something that we could all benefit from. That being said, if you feel like you aren’t getting enough sleep, remember that it’s okay to ask for help. It’s okay to ask for sleeping pills or to see a doctor. Sleep is important to our health and well-being, which is why it is worth taking the time to get a good night’s rest.
Amodeus Healthcare offers medical and psychiatric services to help you meet your health needs despite the demands of life. If you are looking for telepsychiatric services in London for quick and accessible health services, reach out to us today!