WHY DO STRESSED PEOPLE FAIL TO SLEEP?

We’ve all had times in our life when our stress levels are riding high and our sleep begins to suffer. Here is why high stress leads to poor sleep and how aromatherapy can help you break the cycle.

It’s all about hormones -

Stress triggers the release of cortisol, a stress hormone, which can interfere with the sleep-inducing hormone melatonin. Additionally, racing thoughts and heightened alertness associated with stress make it difficult for stressed individuals to relax and fall asleep. Stress can also lead to physical symptoms like muscle tension and increased heart rate, making it physically uncomfortable to rest. Furthermore, anxiety about not being able to sleep can create a cycle of worry and before we know it’s we’re stuck in a downward spiral of too much stress and not enough sleep.

Why the stress:sleep cycle is so hard to break -

With our hormones going haywire, the knock on effect starts to change our daily patterns. Hormones hold the key to controlling our the natural circadian rhythm, the system that decides when we rest and when we’re wide-awake. With our body's internal clock disrupted it’s harder to manage wakefulness and sleep. All too often the things we do to cope with that often make worse. We reach for our phones and iPads for distraction. However, these devices emit blue light which can further hinder melatonin production making things worse not better.

How to break the cycle -

Establishing relaxation techniques and a consistent sleep routine can help manage stress-related sleep issues.

Developing healthy coping mechanisms, such as mindfulness or deep breathing, can contribute to better sleep despite stress. Aromatherapy involves using essential oils to promote well-being, and certain scents can also help alleviate stress. All our Kiss the Moon blends have been created for their ability to help you rest, relax and sleep beautifully. For stress-busting we recommend our CALM blend with its combination of Jasmine, Chamomile, Sandalwood and Ylang Ylang.

Here are three ways to weave it in to your nightly wind down routine.

Take a tension-easing bath using our Calm Aromatherapy Bath Salts

Place a Calm Diffuser on your bedside table to scent your bedroom to quieten the mind and set the scene for rest

Apply our Calm Sleep Balm to pulse points on your wrists before turning out the light. Close your eyes, take three deep breaths in through the nose and out through the the mouth. And sleep….