Kristen Casey

Nov 18, 2024 | sleepopolis.com | Kristen Casey |Sharon Brandwein

With the holiday season upon us, Sleepopolis conducted our annual survey on stress around the holidays. When all was said and done, we surveyed nearly 1,500 adults to better understand stress in America during this time and pinpoint the sources. Ahead, we share our findings and examine the downstream effects of stress on physical health, mental health, and sleep. Eighty-one percent of people are more stressed during the holiday season.

Nov 15, 2024 | sleepopolis.com | Abby McCoy |Kristen Casey

Cortisol, commonly known as the “stress hormone,” is a chemical made in the brain that plays a role in our stress response, metabolism, and immune system. Cortisol levels in the body peak when you wake up in the morning and decrease to their lowest point in the evening, playing a key role in the body’s sleep-wake cycle. The morning increase in cortisol levels, known as the cortisol awakening response, may contribute to feelings of anxiety in the morning after you wake up.

Nov 8, 2024 | mensjournal.com | Cory Kessler |Kristen Casey

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Oct 24, 2024 | sleepopolis.com | Maggie Aime |Kristen Casey

Hypnic jerks, also called sleep starts or hypnagogic jerks, are sudden muscle twitches that happen as you’re drifting off to sleep. (1)Hypnic jerks are very common, with up to 70 percent of adults experiencing them at least once in their lifetime. (2)Factors that might increase the likelihood of hypnic jerks include stress, anxiety, sleep deprivation, vigorous exercise, and excessive caffeine intake.

Oct 17, 2024 | sleepopolis.com | Abby McCoy |Kristen Casey

Burnout is the result of chronic, unmanaged stress and causes emotional, physical, and cognitive fatigue. (1) (2)Over 50 percent of workers experience work-related stress associated with burnout, including emotional exhaustion, irritability, and anger. (3)Many people are at risk for burnout, including caregivers, front line workers, parents, healthcare workers, and shift workers. (2)Symptoms of burnout are often similar to the causes of burnout.