Stress at Work: How It Could Be Keeping You Up at Night

Work stress is a common problem among many professionals today, yet it is often underestimated as a contributing factor in many of our health issues. Stress can have a severe impact on not just our mental and emotional wellbeing, but also our physical health, including difficulty sleeping. Stress at work can be keeping you up at night and it’s important to be aware of the signs and put in place strategies to manage it.

Working Stress: Its Effects on Your Sleep

Stress at work can have a range of effects on our lifestyle and physical health, one of which is difficulty sleeping. In a study conducted by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, researchers found that working adults who experienced high levels of job pressure and stress had poor sleep quantity and quality. Prolonged fatigue can lead to issues such as poor concentration, impaired decision making and a lower motivation to work, making it difficult to balance work and personal commitments.

Identifying Stress in the Workplace

When it comes to managing work stress, it’s important to be able to identify the signs and causes. Common signs of work stress include:

• A decrease in motivation and productivity
• Discomfort or tension
• Dissatisfaction or feeling overwhelmed
• Low energy or fatigue
• Heightened anxiety or irritability

It can be helpful to take some time and think about the possible sources of stress in the workplace, such as challenging deadlines, overwhelming workload and conflict with colleagues. Taking note of the underlying causes can help you to develop strategies to manage stress more effectively.

Coping Strategies to Reduce Stress at Work

There are various ways to reduce stress at work, including:

• Taking regular breaks to re-energise and refocus
• Creating a work-life balance and setting realistic goals
• Talking to a trusted friend, family member or counsellor
• Engaging in activities that help you to relax, such as exercise, yoga, relaxation and mindfulness
• Talking to your manager or supervisor about your workload

Uncovering How Stress Relates to Insomnia

High levels of stress can cause physical and mental tension, leading to difficulty sleeping. Insomnia can also lead to further stress and anxiety, and even burn out if left unmanaged. It’s important to recognise the signs of insomnia and seek help if needed. Some tips to help you get better sleep include:

• Avoid caffeine, alcohol and large meals before bedtime
• Keep a regular schedule, going to bed and waking up at the same times each day
• Create a comfortable environment for sleeping
• Wind down with relaxing activities before bed time
• Keep your bedroom dark and free from distractions like TVs and computers

How to Deal with Stress at Work

Managing stress in the workplace requires a combination of self-care strategies, such as relaxation techniques and lifestyle changes, and addressing the underlying causes of stress. It’s important that you take responsibility for your own wellbeing and find effective ways to manage stress. Some strategies to help reduce stress at work include:

• Setting realistic goals and breaking them down into smaller tasks
• Learning how to say ‘no’ when presented with more work than you can handle
• Making time for yourself and taking regular breaks
• Talking to your manager or supervisor about workload or time management
• Seeking help from a professional counsellor or psychotherapist if necessary.

Work stress can have a significant impact on our physical and mental health, and one of its effects is difficulty sleeping. It’s important to be aware of the signs and causes of stress in the workplace, and to take an active role in managing it. Effective strategies for reducing work stress include taking regular breaks, setting realistic goals and talking to a manager or supervisor about workload.

By taking the time to manage stress in the workplace and implementing strategies to reduce it, you can find the balance between work and personal commitments, and get the good night’s sleep you deserve.

Sources

• Taibi, D. M., & Uthman, B. M. (2017). Stress Management Interventions and Insomnia. Sleep Medicine Clinics, 12(3), 321–333.
• Column, G. (2018). Work-related stress in the digital age: how to manage it? Retrieved from https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2018/11/how-to-manage-work-related-stress
• American Psychiatric Association (2018). Stress: It’s Not Just in Your Head. Retrieved from https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/stress-its-not-just-in-your-head

Although work stress is often underestimated as a contributor to many of our health issues, it can have a serious impact on our physical and mental wellbeing. Effective strategies for reducing work stress include taking regular breaks, setting realistic goals, talking to a manager or supervisor about workload, and engaging in activities that help you to relax. By managing stress in the workplace, you can improve your sleep quality, boost your concentration and productivity, and achieve a healthier work-life balance.