Stress and sleep problems

Many people develop sleep problems when they are stressed out, or after having witnessed or experienced a traumatic event such as a car accident.

Sleep disturbances including difficulty falling asleep, waking frequently, and having nightmares are common. They can be normal responses to the stress of a past trauma, or an anticipated or perceived threat.

Sleep problems commonly associated with stress

Causes for difficulty falling asleep

Conscious or subconscious perception of the need to stay alert
Medical conditions commonly associated with trauma such as chronic pain, stomach and intestinal upset.
Thinking, worries, and unwanted memories
Use of drugs or alcohol

Causes for difficulty staying asleep

Distressing dreams or night terrors
Hyper-arousal, active movements of the arms or legs during sleep, and dreams may cause awakening or restless sleep
Anxiety and panic attacks symptoms may interrupt sleep. They include racing heartbeat, dizziness, difficulty breathing, sweating, fear, disorientation, and the feeling of losing control
Frequent awakening to check for security

Sleep problem may be short term, but it may also develop into long term problem. It is best to consult your physician. Try to pay more attention to sleep hygiene in order to get back to normal sleep pattern as soon as possible.

Sleep smart tips:

To promote deep, continuous and refreshing sleep

Get the right amount of sleep
Maintain a regular schedule
Sleep at night, do not nap during the day
Avoid alcohol in the evening
Avoid caffeine after lunch
Avoid nicotine in the evening
Exercise but not after dinner time
Ensure that sleep environment is comfortable
Establish a bedtime ritual

Data from: Dement WC. The Promise of Sleep. Random House (NY), 2000.

Some medications that may cause sleep problems are:

Anti-depressants	Beta-blockers	Nasal Decongestants	Pain Relievers	Asthma Drugs	Diuretics	Diet Pills
stimulant effect cause insomnia sleep disturbances	insomnia nightly awakenings daytime sleepiness nightmares	stimulants delay onset of sleep insomnia	stimulants insomnia	act as stimulants delay onset of sleep quality of sleep	frequent arousals to urinate	stimulants delay onset of sleep insomnia

Beta-blockers

Beta-blockers are common drugs used to treat several problems. They block the effect of certain hormones that cause the heart to beat faster. For patients with heart failure, they prevent these hormones from overworking the heart, allowing the heart to pump better, and lowering blood pressure.

They are prescribed for treating hypertension, angina, rapid heartbeats, preventing migraine headaches, and have been used to treat anxiety and anxiety disorders such as stage fright and panic attack.

Original article from WellnessOptions #12, 2003