Wake Me When Its Over

It’s no secret that today’s tough economic times are the cause of many headaches for anyone that has to worry about supporting themselves or a family. Many are struggling with anxiety over losing a job at a time when unemployment rates are at an 11-year high). That anxiety has begun to translate into sleepless nights.

Recently, a study of more than 1,100 workers found that 9 out of 10 were losing sleep over money worries. The reason is simple – if you’re feeling threatened over your financial situation or anything else, you’re likely to have difficulty sleeping. Any perceived threat triggers a “fight or flight” response in which adrenaline is released in the body. Adrenaline produces vigilance and alertness, making sleep impossible.

During times of stress, it’s critical to maintain both quantity and quality of sleep. Like food and water, sleep is a corner stone of good health. Proper sleep enables peak performance. It also helps fend off colds and the flu (and keeps sick days to a minimum).

While there’s no quick fix for economic woes, there are some steps that help ensure a healthy night’s sleep:
· Keeping a regular routine – wind down the same way each night, at the same time, and wake up at the same time each morning
· Sleep in a relaxing, dark and cool environment, and avoid the use of electronics in the bedroom, such as TV’s and computers. This will help your brain to release sleep-inducing hormones.
· Don’t toss and turn – if you can’t sleep, get out of bed and engage in a relaxing activity, such as reading. Only return to bed when you are relaxed and sleepy.
· Don’t face the clock and watch minutes tick by, which will also add to your anxiety.

If you go for more than two weeks with disrupted sleep, it’s time for professional help. Board-certified sleep specialists are physicians trained to diagnose and treat more than 80 known sleep disorders.