We all know that politics can be stressful. But new research suggests that politics may also be affecting our sleep.
A study published in the journal Sleep found that people who were exposed to more political news were more likely to report symptoms of insomnia.
The study surveyed nearly 1,800 adults in the United States about their media use and their sleep habits. The participants were asked how often they watched, read, or listened to political news, and how often they experienced difficulty falling asleep, waking up during the night, or feeling tired during the day.
The researchers found that people who were exposed to more political news were more likely to report symptoms of insomnia. They also found that people who reported more symptoms of insomnia were more likely to report feeling tired during the day.
The study did not look at whether political news actually caused insomnia, but the authors say the findings suggest that there may be a link.
So what can you do if you’re struggling to sleep because of politics? The authors suggest limiting your exposure to political news, or at least trying to consume it in a way that doesn’t make you feel stressed.
If you’re finding that political news is impacting your sleep, talk to your doctor or a sleep specialist. There are treatment options available for insomnia, and they can help you get the rest you need.
Sleep is critical for our physical and mental health, yet many of us regularly get too little. A new study has found that political events may be one reason why.
The study, published in the journal Science, found that people’s sleep patterns were significantly impacted by the 2016 US presidential election. In the weeks leading up to the election, people slept less and woke more often during the night. After the election, there was a sharp increase in the number of people who reported difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep.
The study’s authors believe that the stress and anxiety caused by the election may have been responsible for the changes in sleep patterns. They say that their findings highlight the need for more research into the links between political events and sleep.
If you’re struggling to get a good night’s sleep, there are some things you can do to try to improve your sleep habits. Avoid caffeine and alcohol in the evening, establish a regular bedtime routine, and limit your screen time before bed. If you’re still having trouble, talk to your doctor about options for sleep medication or therapy.
