How does stress affect your sleep and health?

Stress refers to the psychological mechanism and a set of reactions emitted by the body to cope with a destabilizing situation. When we're stressed, we feel overwhelmed or unable to resist the emotional pressure.

What is stress ?

Stress is often associated with anxiety, which, for its part, is more of a psychiatric nature. If it becomes too intense, you may experience an anxiety attack. If this happens, it is recommended to apply some tips to alleviate it (link to the article 5 tips to reduce anxiety attacks).

The physical and physiological symptoms relating to stress are fatigue, muscle tension, digestive problems, heart palpitations, sleep problems, headaches, dizziness and even loss of appetite.

When we face a stressful situation, we evaluate the situation and the threat it represents, then resolve the problem and reduce negative emotions.

Stress is not an illness, but can be considered a risk factor for illnesses (psychosomatic for example). If the stress is excessive, chronic and lasts over time, it can cause other serious effects on physical and mental health and impact daily life (professional and personal life).

“Good stress” and “bad stress”

Stress is a normal and innate reaction, it can be positive and useful because it helps the brain to be alert. For example, the level of performance when carrying out a task at work is often better when the person is experiencing “good stress”. Acting as a booster, it allows him to stimulate his memory and his motivation, to be more attentive and to learn more quickly.

However, it can become problematic if it becomes too invasive and can have harmful consequences on the health and daily lives of those affected. The latter tend to perceive reality pessimistically and have more difficulty forming relationships. In addition, they tend to isolate themselves, be disorganized and consume products harmful to health (tobacco, caffeine, sugar, chocolate, alcohol, drugs).

Worry, irritation, indecision, melancholy, lack of joy or even low self-esteem are among the multiple emotions caused by chronic stress.

In addition, stress impacts sleep, a unique and essential component of our health and well-being. It impacts falling asleep , disrupts the quality of sleep (because of several awakenings during the night for example) and causes difficulties in brain functioning for the day to follow.

Lack of sleep also has another major risk, it can lead to depression because the brain produces less serotonin, the happiness hormone.

We don't react in the same way to stress. A situation will be felt as stressful or not, depending on the personality of the person.

There are solutions to avoid stress-related problems, to regain good quality sleep and thus preserve health.

Effective plant-based solutions to combat stress

So-called “adaptogenic” plants have beneficial effects to help the body relax. There are also very effective plants known to combat stress and anxiety.

Following a study, the World Health Organization (WHO) recognized phytotherapy (use of medicinal plants) as an effective natural conventional medicine to combat everyday anxiety disorders. It is accessible to everyone and avoids the use of chemical medications which have serious consequences on long-term health.

Délicure offers quality food supplements (in the form of gummies), based on plants which have beneficial effects on stress, sleep and relaxation:

• Enriched with plants (rhodiola, saffron, holy basil) and an amino acid (GABA), the “No Stress” range acts against nervousness and anxiety disorders. When you feel overwhelmed by a situation, simply chew two gummies to relax and soothe your nerves.
• The “Sleep” range is composed of powerful active ingredients (melatonin, passionflower, linden, poppy) which promote falling asleep, improve the quality of sleep, and therefore limit insomnia. The gummies should be taken about thirty minutes in the evening before going to bed.
• CBD- based gummies instantly give the body a feeling of well-being and help combat emotional stress. After a stressful day at work, chewing two gummies helps you find a state of serenity.

These products should be used as part of a healthy lifestyle, and do not cause side effects or health risks.

Finally, other beneficial tips should be applied on a daily basis to soothe stress disorders such as practicing a relaxation activity (meditation or yoga), practicing a sporting activity lasting 30 minutes per week. day, eat a balanced diet (rich in B group vitamins, magnesium, iron, etc.) or find comfort by talking with people about various aspects of life.