When we experience a stressful event or time in general, our body’s natural response is to release a hormone called cortisol. Cortisol is known as the ‘stress hormone’, and is responsible for triggering our fight or flight response. This response is a primal instinct, designed to keep us safe in dangerous situations by increasing our heart rate, blood pressure and breathing.

However, when we experience chronic stress, our cortisol levels remain elevated constantly, which can interfere with our ability to fall asleep - and stay that way. Because, essentially, we are remaining alert, on the ‘lookout’ for danger. 

Cortisol also suppresses the production of a hormone called melatonin – which is responsible for regulating our sleep-wake cycle.

Stress can also lead to racing thoughts, intense worry, anxiety and depression – all of which can make it difficult to relax enough to fall into a slumber. Not to mention the toll stress can take on us physically, which can make it even harder still to get comfortable in bed and stay asleep throughout the night.

Studies have shown that stress can have a significant impact on our sleep quality and quantity. According to a report by the Sleep Health Foundation, people who experience high levels of stress are more likely to have trouble falling asleep, wake up more frequently throughout the night and feel less rested in the morning.

It has also been found that chronic stress can lead to an increased risk of sleep disorders, such as insomnia or sleep apnoea.