Simply put, stress refers to emotional and/or mental strain, arising out of unfavorable or adverse situations. We experience stress when the body is subject to external mental or physical pressures.

 

To some extent, stress can actually be good. Such stress is referred to as ‘eustress’. It can motivate you to work harder, focus and even improve performance. For example, when you have an important client meeting coming up at work. You may feel a little under pressure but that can motivate you to prepare well for the meeting, improving your outcomes.

 

But this is only true for short-term stress. Excessive stress can be counter-productive and lead to chronic health issues.

 

To understand how stress can impact you, it is important to understand how the body responds to stress.

 

When faced with a stressful situation, the nervous system triggers the release of stress hormones, especially cortisol, adrenaline and noradrenaline. You probably know this as the “fight or flight” response. In other words, the body gears up to confront or flee from the unfavorable situation. The level of the stress hormones is restored to normal once the external threat goes away. As a result, the body begins to relax.

 

However, excessive or continuous stress doesn’t let the aggravation to the nervous system subside. This can produce a devastating effect on your body and overall health.

 

Ongoing stress causes the blood pressure to stay raised, straining the heart and circulatory system. Breathing is impacted and heartbeat remains rapid. Some people may experience a constant state of holding their breath or hyperventilation.

Long-term stress also causes muscles to be continuously tense, leading to headaches and neck strain. Continued, raised levels of cortisol can lead to weight gain and inflammation in the body, as well as a suppressed immune system.

 

This has adverse effects on the digestion too, as heightened cortisol levels cause you to crave and eat more fatty foods, since the body is always preparing to face a threat. The stomach produces more acid when the body is stressed. Over a period of time, you might start to suffer from heartburn and acid reflux.

 

The endocrine glands (hormone producing glands) are regulated by the brain, and hence, they are also affected. This can have an adverse effect on a wide range of physical and mental functions – from mood and tissue health to blood sugar metabolism and reproduction.

 

No wonder, many people lose sleep when they are stressed, since the body is always in the fight mode, physiologically. This can further keep you stuck in the stress cycle.

 

At Sleep Solution Hub, Dr. George Akinkuoye helps with the treatment of severe or prolonged sleep-related difficulties, such as –

• 1. Insomnia or lack of enough restful sleep
  
• 2. excessive daytime sleepiness
  
• 3. poor sleep habits

 

If you are experiencing sleep related problems, book a consultation with Dr. George Akinkuoye at Sleep Solution Hub right away

 

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