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Workplace stress & Impact on Good Sleep

Updated: Oct 26, 2024

The theme for World Mental Health Day is 'It is time to prioritise mental health in the workplace' and workplace stress can be a key reason for sleep problems.


Work-related stress is a leading contributor to sleep disturbances, profoundly affecting an individual’s mental and physical well-being.


Long working hours, high job demands, and difficulties in switching off after work can lead to overactivation of the body's stress response, which disrupts sleep cycles.


The constant pressure to perform, especially in fast-paced or high-stakes environments, increases levels of cortisol, a stress hormone that impairs the ability to fall and stay asleep.


One key factor is rumination, which is the tendency to replay work-related concerns when trying to relax.


This mental overactivity prevents the body from transitioning into a restful state, leading to insomnia or frequent waking throughout the night.


Sleep deprivation then creates a vicious cycle, as a lack of restorative sleep exacerbates stress levels, reducing a person's capacity to cope with work pressures effectively.


Additionally, poor sleep reduces cognitive function, memory, and decision-making skills, which negatively impacts work performance and increases stress.


Over time, this can result in burnout, fatigue, and a higher risk of developing anxiety or depression.


Tackling work-related stress by setting boundaries, practicing relaxation techniques, and improving workplace conditions is crucial for maintaining good sleep hygiene and overall health.




 
 
 

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