Relationship Between Insomnia and Stress

Posted on December 13, 2008 in Latest News

Stress is one of the primary factors causing insomnia. Stress stimulates the release of the stress hormone cortisol, which increases the wakefulness and alertness of the brain. Hence, release of stress hormone during stressful situations is the major reason for insomnia

What is Insomnia?
Insomnia is a sleeping disorder which involves difficulty falling asleep. Here are the symptoms of insomnia:

Relationship between Insomnia and Stress:
Insomnia and stress are closely related with each other. A person with high stress finds it very difficult to sleep. Apart from environmental factors, medications, health problems etc. stress is the major factor which causes insomnia

How Stress Causes Insomnia?
When a person is under stress, cortisol hormone is released by adrenal glands. Cortisol hormone is a stress hormone excites the body by increasing the blood pressure, blood sugar, and providing more fuel for brain and muscles. This is necessary during the time of activity or emergency. However, when cortisol is released during the night, it hinders the sleeping process

Cortisol levels in our body are high during the morning when much activity is needed. The cortisol level decreases during the night. However, when you are stressed continually, cortisol level increases during the night resulting in sleeplessness.

Melatonin is a hormone which helps in sleeping. If you have high cortisol levels due to stress, cortisol acts against melatonin resulting in insomnia. The relationship between insomnia and stress is strong and many studies have proved this

Stress causes insomnia by producing cortisol which wakes up the brain, increases the wakefulness. Hence, we should find ways to manage stress by exercising, taking counseling or avoiding too much work. Decreasing stress in your life can have numerous benefits, including enabling you to have a good night’s sleep.

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