According to the Mental Health Foundation, ‘74% of UK adults have felt so stressed at some point over the last year they felt overwhelmed or unable to cope’.
Stress, if not managed properly, can seriously impact our health.
Low levels of stress are part of everyday life but the problem arises when we experience high levels of stress over a long period.
How Does Stress Affect Sleep?
Symptoms such as depression, mood swings, sleep problems, anxiety, and a lack of concentration are just some ways prolonged stress affects our lives.
If we are stressed for a long period of time this can cause sleepless nights, which in turn impacts on our health.
How To Manage Stress and Sleep Better
- Practise deep breathing and relaxation techniques such as yoga, Pilates or mindfulness as these can help alleviate stress.
- Take time to relax your mind. Switch off phones and gadgets at least an hour before bedtime to help calm your mind.
- Try doing a relaxing activity such as listening to calming music, reading a book or taking a soak in the bath before bedtime.
- Stress is often triggered by worrying thoughts. Write down your worries and thoughts before going to sleep.
- Numerous studies have shown that any form of exercise can help improve our mental health.
- A regular bedtime and waking up time will help establish a good sleep routine, which in turn helps us sleep better and feel better.
- Cut back on caffeine and alcohol as both are stimulants and whilst they may help us nod off sooner, we may find ourselves waking up more during the night.
- Make sure you’re sleeping in the right bed. Sleeping in an uncomfortable bed can cost us up to an hour of sleep every night. If your bed is seven years or more, maybe it’s time to think about buying a new one.
- For expert tips on how to manage stress, visit www.mindorg.uk.
What to do next
If you are concerned about your health or sleep, we advise you to consult your GP or seek professional medical advice as soon as you can.
At Dalzell’s, we have expert staff on hand to advise on choosing the right bed and mattress to aid better sleep. With over 500 beds and mattresses in stock, we’re confident that you’ll find the right bed to meet your needs. We recommend you visit us in-store so you can try out a range of different beds.
Based in Markethill we’re located between Newry and Armagh. No time to visit? No problem. Call us on T: 028 3755 1260, Email or view our great selection of beds and mattresses online. What’s more, we provide a Free Collection and Recycling of Your Old Bed and Free Delivery throughout Northern Ireland, Dublin, Louth and Monaghan.
