Stress Build-up and Sleep

Physiologically, stressful conditions lead to alteration in autonomic nervous system (ANS) causing excessive release of stress hormones which may lead to poor sleep quality. Anything in excess is imbalance. Persistent imbalances in ANS and endocrine system affects the chemical and hormonal composition of the blood leading to disturbed sleep

Stress related disorders evolve gradually through four recognisable stages: 

1. Psychological stage like anxiety, irritability or insomnia arises due to over stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system

2. Physiological stage like high blood pressure, palpitations or headache arise due prolonged psychological disturbance

3. Biochemical imbalance stage like malfunctioning of organs or systems

4. Detectable and irreversible stage requiring surgical or long-term pharmacological management.

Irregular sleeping patterns are generally the symptoms of stress built up and should not be taken lightly. There has been lot of research and study on use of various yogic techniques such as meditation, relaxation technique that have resulted in calming of sympathetic nervous system. Yoga can be prescribed both as a preventive and curative therapy in the first three stages of stress-related disorders. It can also provide symptomatic relief in case of structurally irreversible stage My Yoga therapy approach builds on the similar principle of 

1. Awareness of root cause of the stress leading to insomnia

2. Prevention of stage 3 and 4 through stress management techniques

3. Regularisation of sleep through regular practice of yoga program

Thus, Yoga therapy comes as a great boon to people as a reliable tool and effective coping strategy to overcome insomnia Have you noticed any changes to your sleeping patterns off late? Would like to hear your comments.

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