Guest post from Sleephelp.org

Do you find yourself struggling with headaches, an upset stomach, and sleep problems? These symptoms are linked to chronic stress. While short-term stress can help you get out of a dangerous situation, long-term or chronic stress can change your behavior. You may withdraw from hanging out with friends, drink more alcohol or have angry outbursts. Relaxing and releasing stress can be difficult, but it can improve your life. Acupuncture and high-quality sleep may help you relax.

How Sleep Decreases Stress

Stress and sleeplessness are often found together. Worrying can make it more difficult to sleep. At the same time, sleeping less may make stress more likely. A new study shows that sleep deprivation may make people more likely to respond negatively to small stressors. In one study, fifty-three people were stressed by thinking problems and countdowns. When they were sleep deprived, participants reported more stress and anger when confronted with minor stressors. This finding implies that sleeplessness may increase stress, so getting more sleep is a simple way to counter stress.

Tips for High-Quality Sleep

Setting a bedtime is one way to increase your sleep quality. Going to sleep at the same time each night teaches your body to get tired at that consistent time. It should be easier to fall asleep because your body releases sleep hormones as you go to bed. This approach works well if you allow at least seven hours of sleep each night. Otherwise, you may still be sleep-deprived.

A bedroom devoted to quality sleep will also help you rest. Work and other projects should stay in another room. Compare mattresses to see if you’re sleeping on the right one for your preferred sleeping position and temperature. You can also limit sleep disruptions by blocking out light with dark curtains and muffling sounds with a white noise machine. Your bedroom should be for relaxing with yoga, meditation or other calm activities. If you still find your mind racing at bedtime, you may want to consider acupuncture.

Acupuncture as a Treatment for Stress and Sleeplessness

Clinical reports have long touted acupuncture’s relaxant effects. However, these reports are now being backed up by studies. A small study of eighteen anxious people found that five weeks of acupuncture treatment decreased their anxiety. This study also looked at the effect of acupuncture on the participants’ insomnia. It appeared that the treatment increased their secretion of insomnia, a sleep hormone, and the participants reported improved sleep. The findings suggest that acupuncture decreases stress directly through relaxing effects and indirectly through rest.

If you’re tired of headaches and an upset stomach, try to relax with stress-relieving activities like acupuncture and meditation. Taking time to care for yourself may lead to a better night’s sleep, which can decrease your stress as well.