How Stress Disrupts Sleep

Stress and sleep influence each other directly.

The Cortisol Loop

Stress elevates cortisol levels. Cortisol increases alertness. When cortisol remains elevated late into the evening, the brain struggles to enter deeper sleep stages.

Cognitive Carryover

Unresolved problems or high decision load can keep the brain active even after the body attempts to sleep.

Infrastructure Close

Improving sleep under stress often requires reducing cognitive residue before bedtime, not simply trying harder to fall asleep.