What are the links between stress and sleep disorders?

Stress is considered a natural, physiological reaction of the body, allowing us to escape or cope with a particular situation. It affects all social groups and all age groups, most generally for a short period of time. A situation of chronic stress, on the other hand, is pathological.

Symptoms related to a state of stress are muscle contractions, digestive or cardiovascular problems, skin rashes, sleep disorders (which can lead to insomnia), migraines, dizziness, nausea, significant fatigue or even loss of appetite.

Stress is not an illness in itself, but in the long term it can cause weight gain, diabetes, heart or kidney problems, depression, burnout, as well as a decrease in immune defenses that make the body more susceptible to infections.

Links between stress and sleep disorders

 There is a close link between these two aspects; in fact, stress can be the cause of sleep disorders, and conversely, lack of sleep can be a stress factor.

Sleep is essential for the proper functioning of the body, which maintains and regulates vital functions. The duration and quality of sleep are important for improving overall physical and mental health. To better understand sleep, it is important to learn about its different phases .

Sleep disturbances are often associated with insomnia, which is defined as a lack of (non-restorative) sleep. It is characterized by difficulty falling asleep, waking up several times during the night, or waking up too early the next day.

In addition to impacting daily mental and physical activities, insomnia causes drowsiness, irritability, and difficulty concentrating and remembering.

Other than stress, the causes of sleep disorders can be respiratory illnesses, pain linked to certain illnesses (osteoarthritis, cancer, polyarthritis, etc.), allergies, consumption of stimulants (caffeine, tobacco, energy drinks) or alcohol, eating too much before going to bed, depression or sleep apnea .

The consequences of a lack of sleep are not without risk; it can lead to serious health problems, a risk of heart disease and cardiovascular arrest, diabetes, obesity and even depression.

Treating yourself naturally

The World Health Organization recognizes herbal medicine as a form of conventional medicine. It involves using medicinal plants to improve one's health. It is an alternative to chemical medications (antidepressants, anxiolytics, psychotropic drugs, etc.) that can lead to long-term adverse health risks.

Rhodiola, hawthorn, passionflower and St. John's wort are recognized anti-stress plants (link to the article What are the best anti-stress plants?).

In addition, there are organic and natural food supplements (in the form of capsules, tablets, ampoules, gummies, etc.) based on adaptogenic plants, which help to soothe anxiety on a daily basis and thus promote better sleep.

This is the case with Délicure, which offers 100% French vegan food supplements in the form of gummies. They are made from plants rich in soothing active ingredients to relieve anxiety and promote quality sleep:

• The “ Stress ” range helps fight stress and relax the body thanks to the patented saffron extract it contains as well as vitamin B6.
• The " Sleep " range is rich in relaxing plants (passion flower, linden, poppy petal), vitamins (B5, B6) and melatonin (sleep hormone). Taking two gummies before bedtime makes it easier to fall asleep, relax, and therefore allows you to get a good night's sleep.
• CBD , derived from the hemp plant, also seems ideal because it promotes relaxation. This natural molecule is now commonly consumed by people seeking natural well-being. Délicure offers a wide range of organic CBD oils adapted to different objectives (sleep, stress, pain, female ailments) as well as a range of CBD gummies .

These supplements are easier to ingest than capsules or tablets, and do not cause addiction or side effects.

Other tips for stress-related sleep disorders

Aside from plants, essential oils of fine lavender, Roman chamomile, and sweet marjoram also help soothe anxiety disorders and combat insomnia. Their virtues are recognized in the health field, and their therapeutic indications (digestive, circulatory, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, etc.) allow them to treat minor ailments of life and daily life. When symptoms of stress appear, it is recommended to breathe one for several minutes.

To avoid any risk of insomnia, it is not recommended to do any sporting activity before bedtime, to have a heavy evening meal, to consume any stimulants (caffeine, tobacco, alcohol) and to be overly exposed to screens.

It is important to prioritize relaxation activities such as meditation and yoga, a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, and establish a bedtime ritual (respect regular bedtimes and waking times).

Finally, to make it easier to fall asleep , it is strongly recommended to sleep in a quiet, dark room that is not too hot.

In cases of chronic stress or severe insomnia, the best solution is to consult your doctor who will be able to assess the situation and provide appropriate treatment.