Stress and Sleep - Spiritual Sanctuary

Studies have illustrated a strong link between insomnia and chronic stress. According to APA's (American Psychological Association) Stress in America survey, more than 40 percent of all adults say they lie awake at night because of stress.

Stress can be defined as any uncomfortable "emotional experience accompanied by predictable biochemical, physiological and behavioral changes." When you are stressed you are worried about the future or dwelling on the past. Thoughts are continually roaming around in your head, which is especially prominent when you are lying down trying to get to sleep. Meditating at night is a great way to train your mind to release these thoughts and settle down for bed. When you quiet your mind at night with meditation, you increase the "stress reducing" hormone levels in your body and allow your physical and mental body to heal.