Statistics show over nine in 10 Britons have experienced high or extreme levels of stress at some point in the last year.
The average person in the UK typically feels stressed about ten days a month, but as many as one in nine say they are stressed every single day, according to the expert. When we sleep, our body naturally reduces the levels of these stress hormones, promoting a state of calm and rest. Britons will notice various life improvements if they sleep well.
Martin from MattressNextDayexplained: “Well-rested people have been shown to stay calmer and react less strongly to negative situations the day after a good night’s sleep. With additional worries over price hikes for things like energy bills and tax, April could well be an anxious month."
The expert outlined the benefits you will see if you improve your sleep.
Limiting stress can help you get a good night's sleep
GETTYEmotional regulation
"Not only does emotion impact sleep, but there is also evidence that sleep plays a key role in regulating emotion. Sleep is crucial for processing and consolidating our emotions including those relating to fear. It’s during sleep that our brain replays these memories and helps the emotional response to these experiences in the future. This makes us less reactive to stressful situations and more resilient."
Lowering cortisol levels
"Cortisol is the ‘stress hormone’ which, along with adrenaline, regulates our ‘fight or flight’ response. It’s released when we are stressed and a lack of sleep causes cortisol in particular to remain high. It can lead to a higher level of glucose in our blood, which is why sleep is also important in preventing conditions like diabetes. With quality sleep, cortisol levels drop, helping you feel more calm and rested."
Brain function
"We all know we aren’t our best when we’re tired. Things which could wash over us usually cause us upset or anxiety. This is because sleep allows the brain to process and consolidate memories, which can help reduce anxiety and improve overall mental well-being."
Improved cognitive function
"Just as we’re less adept, we’re also more likely to snap or make impulse decisions. This is because, like our muscles, our brain needs time to repair. Without enough good quality sleep the brain struggles to function properly.
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Being well-rested will improve your mood throughout the day
GETTY"Because they don’t get enough time to rest, neurons in the brain become overworked just like muscles, and cannot perform at their optimum. This affects our ability to process information leading to difficulty concentrating, making decisions and managing stress."
Better attention span
"Not getting enough sleep has a similar effect on our brain to being drunk, slowing down thinking and reaction time. Poor sleep also reduces a person’s attention making it more difficult to learn and process. This can have a cumulative effect on stress, particularly when it affects work or studying."
