Why does stress keep me awake at night?

Stress keeps you awake because it triggers your body's alert system. When you are stressed, the hormone cortisol and other stress chemicals keep you hyper-alert, which does not fit with drifting off. One review of the research says between one-third and two-thirds of adults have bouts of insomnia, and stress is a common trigger.

Over time, chronic stress can also cut into deep sleep and disrupt REM sleep, so even the sleep you get may feel less restful.

What may help: cognitive behavioral approaches that change unhelpful thought patterns, regular sleep and wake times, a cool bedroom without electronics, and avoiding caffeine, nicotine and alcohol near bedtime. Exercise earlier in the day, in the morning or early afternoon. If you cannot fall asleep after 15 to 20 minutes, get up and do something relaxing elsewhere.

See a doctor if sleep problems last for several weeks and affect how you function, if you feel unable to cope with daily stress, or if you are using substances to get by. If you have thoughts of harming yourself, seek help right away.

Source: Sleep Foundation - Stress and Insomnia: How Stress Affects Sleep

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