As discussed in this Daily Collegian piece, in addition to playing an essential role in keeping our physical health optimal, sleep is also one of the most effective ways to fight stress. It’s during sleep that our bodies are able to flush stress producing hormones like cortisol out of our systems. It also aids in our cognitive process, serving as a period of mental downtime that allows us to understand and recall new information when we’re awake. Consequently, when we do not get the recommended 7 to 8 hours of sleep a night, our stress levels skyrocket, our ability to comprehend new information becomes compromised and our memory becomes disrupted.

In order to avoid those extremely disruptive symptoms, it’s important to do things that will ensure you get the highest quality of sleep every night. It’s a good idea to avoid consuming caffeine at least six hours before bed because that’s how long it takes our bodies to metabolize that particular stimulant. It’s also recommended that you don’t use your smartphone or laptop before bed as the type of light they put out has been found to make it more difficult to fall asleep. And, getting a massage before bed can be very useful if you struggle with regular sleeplessness as it releases pent-up muscle tension and induces a state of deep relaxation.

Read the full article here: Sleep through the stress to find success