Supporting the Stress Response for Restful Sleep

Mechanism of action 

The sensory nerves detect environmental stress and regulate the HPA axis by providing a neuroendocrine link between perceived stress and physiological reactions to stress.  

Soon after the initial ‘run from danger’ release of hormones such as epinephrine and norepinephrine as a response to the perceived stress the adrenals produce cortisol, which releases glycogen from the liver and muscles for fast glucose fuel for energy.  

Blood sugar imbalances may lead to cravings for unhealthy food and drink choices to cope with daily stress. In turn this can make it challenging to maintain a healthy weight, potentially leading to more stress and cortisol release.  

Choices made in the day can impact how you sleep that night. 

Upon waking, cortisol levels usually increase quickly and gradually drop throughout the day. With HPA axis dysregulation, cortisol levels can remain high until evening, and this can disrupt sleep – leading to a vicious cycle of stress, sugar and caffeine dependence.  

The consumption of alcohol can give the impression of unwinding and sleepiness. Due to increased GABA levels, it is possible to fall asleep initially, but REM sleep is suppressed which is crucial for emotional processing, healthy mood and cognition. As alcohol is metabolised, it can become stimulating to the brain and leads to sleep disruptions and restlessness later in the night.   

The latest research on anxiety and stress-related issues has focused on GABA and the ability of certain probiotic strains (psychobiotics) to support healthy neural cytokine activity and healthy levels of serotonin – making the microbiome a critical component of overall mental and emotional wellness.