How does stress affect your sleep and health?

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

What is stress?

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

Physical and physiological symptoms related to stress include fatigue, muscle tension, digestive problems, heart palpitations, sleep disorders, headaches, dizziness and loss of appetite.

When faced with a stressful situation, we assess the situation and the threat it poses, 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 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 experiences "good stress". Acting as a booster, it allows him to stimulate his memory and motivation, to be more attentive as well as to learn faster.

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

Anxiety, irritation, indecision, melancholy, lack of joy or 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 (due to waking up several times during the night, for example) and causes difficulties in brain function for the following day.

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

We do not 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 herbal 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 all and allows not to resort to chemical drugs which have serious consequences on health in the long term.

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 before going to bed in the evening.
• CBD gummies instantly bring a feeling of well-being to the body and help fight 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 can be applied on a daily basis to relieve stress disorders, such as practicing a relaxation activity (meditation or yoga), practicing a sporting activity lasting 30 minutes per day, having a balanced diet (rich in B vitamins, magnesium, iron, etc.) or finding comfort by talking with people about various aspects of life.