Lack of sleep and sleep disorders are rising, especially in the COVID era. The reason is simple: stress is on the rise.
According to the American Psychological Association, 42 percent of adults report that their sleep quality is fair or poor, and 43 percent say that stress has caused them to lie awake at night in the past month. Many report that their stress increases when the length and quality of their sleep decreases. When they do not get enough sleep, 21 percent of adults report feeling more stressed. Adults with higher reported stress levels (eight, nine, or ten on a 10-point scale) fare even worse — 45 percent feel even more stressed if they do not sleep enough. Five percent of adults with lower reported stress levels (one, two, or three on a 10-point scale) say the same. Only 20 percent of adults say the quality of their sleep is very good or excellent.
In addition, the Rand Corporation reports that stress costs businesses over $400 billion per year. So, stress and sleep impact our personal lives and have a massive and direct effect on business.
There are three components when analyzing sleep. One is the ability to get to sleep. Two, the ability to stay asleep. And three, the quality of sleep. A breakdown of these sleep qualities can damage your physical, mental, and emotional health. Some of the adverse outcomes of persistent sleeping problems are:
1. Memory
2. Mood Changes
3. Trouble thinking and concentrating
4. Accidents
5. Weakened immune system
6. High Blood Pressure
7. Increased risk of diabetes
8. Weight gain
9. Low sex drive
10. Higher risk of heart disease
11. Poor balance
These are some of the most studied and known problems. Many ancillary issues can be directly and indirectly traced to lack of sleep and stress. For instance, a weakened immune system opens your body up to every dangerous pathogen on the planet. Have you ever been stressed or had a bout of insomnia and caught a cold? That’s your compromised immune system being unable to fight off the infection.
According to Healthline.com, sleep deprivation also negatively affects your mental abilities and emotional state. You may feel more impatient or prone to mood swings. It can also compromise decision-making processes and creativity. If sleep deprivation continues long enough, you could start having hallucinations — seeing or hearing things that aren’t there. A lack of sleep can also trigger mania in people with bipolar mood disorder. Other psychological risks include anxiety, depression, paranoia, and suicidal thoughts.
There are things you can do to aid your sleep.
1. Develop a strict schedule for sleeping.
2. Make sure your room is dark.
3. Restrict electronic equipment use in your bedroom. The blue light that televisions, computer monitors, tablets, and phones emit excites the brain and interferes with sleep.
4. Regular exercise can reduce stress and lead to hormonal balance.
5. Healthy diet.
6. Deep breathing exercises.
8. And last but not least, transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation—the technology that Somulis employs.
As a side note, sleep-tracking technology has become common and touted as a sleep aid. This NY Times article highlights a study indicating that stress increases using sleep monitoring systems. The premise is that when people see that they aren’t sleeping well, they worry more. People want solutions that immediately and directly impact them.
Somulis is the first Digital Supplement(TM) designed to actively and proactively manage stress, increase focus, and enhance sleep. A healthier life is a more fulfilled life. Somulis is effective, safe, prescription-free, wearable, and, most importantly, convenient. We built Somulis for every multi-tasking mom and dad, every worker, every student, every athlete, every senior, and every soldier. When we say, “Anyone, Anywhere, Anytime,” we mean it. Give us a try and see the difference Somulis can make in your life.
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