Feeling stressed lately? It’s probably the time of year. A study from The Sleep Council, a UK-based trade association, indicates that September is the beginning of the stress season for many.
As schools re-start and work re-boots, the study found that ‘Stresstember’ not only marks the return to routine, but also pressure levels. The research shows millions of people are caught in a vicious cycle of stress and sleepless nights with September identified by health professionals as being a stressful month for many.
The study saw almost 90% of people admit to suffering from some form of stress in their lives, with almost two out of five saying they are regularly, frequently or constantly stressed. Not surprisingly three quarters say they have problems sleeping while stressed, with the catch 22 that almost a third say when they can’t sleep they get stressed, while just over a quarter say the best way to relieve stress is to have a good night’s sleep.
The Stresstember survey found that, fresh from the long summer break, stress levels in the UK quickly reach 5.3% as the academic and working world gets back in to gear. Students are significantly more likely to feel under pressure with 16% of those polled in the 16-24-year-old age group saying they found September stressful. And women (6%) are more likely than men (4%) to feel the ‘Stresstember Strain’.
By the end of October when the clocks go back and darker nights fall, stress levels affect 6.5% of us. They more than double to 14% in the hectic run-up to Christmas – but actually peak at 15% during the gloomy winter months. December is deemed to be the single most stressful month (by 9% of respondents).
Even holidays can prove a tense time of year with 8% of those questioned admitting to feeling stressed by everything there is to do ahead of going away.
“There are clearly peaks and troughs in our stress levels throughout the calendar year,” said Lisa Artis of The Sleep Council, “and for many this manifests itself in an inability to sleep well.”
The survey also found that more than 70% of us claim to have suffered with sleep disorders such as insomnia, restless leg syndrome and nightmares. Over a quarter of us find a good night’s sleep in a comfortable bed helps to relieve stress, with losing ourselves in an interest or hobby, reading and watching TV also coming out top in ways to combat stress.
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