How does stress affect sleep?

Stress significantly impacts sleep patterns, and the correct choice highlights this relationship accurately. When a person experiences stress, it activates the body’s fight or flight response, leading to the release of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones can increase heart rate and alertness, making it difficult for an individual to relax, fall asleep, or stay asleep throughout the night. As a result, individuals may face insomnia, frequent awakenings, or overall poorer sleep quality due to racing thoughts or anxiety associated with stress.

In contrast to the other options, which either underestimate the influence of stress on sleep or portray it in a positive light, the correct response reflects the reality that stress is a common trigger for various sleep disturbances.