Stress influences sleep, and sleep influences stress. It’s a circle that can be vicious.
Feeling stressed has a direct impact on how we live and manage our lives. Stressed out heads can have a hard time shutting down when we crawl into bed. And if we aren’t getting enough sleep it can worsen an already stressful life.
So how does a person bring balance to a sleep/stress circle?
One may turn to the internet for the answer to this question. A simple internet search reveals much on the topic of sleep including tips we can try to improve our sleep and all the information on the consequences of lack of sleep. (Did you know lack of sleep contributes to chronic illness and disease?) Have you ever noticed that often times a simple internet search (whether it’s about sleep facts or reviews on the best sunny vacation spot) can turn into hours surfing the net? We can come up for air only to realize that we’ve been glued to a screen well past our bedtime.
Sigh…this has happened to me on more than one occasion. Even though I’ve studied the harmful effects of artificial light and sleep hygiene, I have burned the midnight oil plenty of times. Just recently, I had an experience that really hit home:
My current life schedule requires me to juggle school, work, and other personal commitments. I’ve spent many-a-night on my phone or computer until way too late. (Yep – I’m a human too!)
A few weeks ago, I decided to spend my Friday evening relaxing with a good book. Upon arriving home and going through my I’m-home-from-work routine, I promptly sat down on the couch and began reading.
I read.
All.
Evening.
Long.
The book captivated me. I did not feel the need to check on my phone even once. Of course, captivated as I was, I had to finish the book before I went to bed. As I crawled into bed after midnight, I was a little disappointed in myself for staying up so late. I woke up early the next morning and was stunned that after only 7 hours of sleep, I felt incredibly refreshed! I couldn’t believe it.
The only thing I could attribute my restful sleep to was not being on my phone or computer right up until bedtime.
This was a powerful experience for me. So powerful that the memory of it helps me to put my phone and computer away at least two hours before I go to bed.
Blue light is only one area that influences sleep. Other factors that can contribute to poor sleep including diet, bedroom temperature and darkness, exercise and more.