Stress spikes cortisol levels which interferes with your sleep rhythm, while poor sleep keeps cortisol high, causing a vicious cycle of unrest and fatigue
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Both poor sleep and chronic stress disturb gut function, leading to bloating, gas or IBS. It also makes your tummy sensitive to everyday foods
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Without enough deep sleep, your brain can’t store or process memories, while high stress blocks recall, making you forgetful
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Sleep deprivation and stress increase ghrelin, the hunger hormone, making you crave sugar, carbs or salty snacks even when your body doesn’t need them
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Your endocrine system gets confused when sleep is poor and stress is high, leading to imbalances in thyroid, sex hormones and adrenal function
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Stress and sleep loss raise inflammation levels, leading to acne breakouts, dull skin, dark circles and slower skin repair especially in your 30s and beyond
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Chronic stress and poor sleep reduce your body’s ability to fight infections. This is why you fall sick more often and heal slower
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Poor sleep changes fat metabolism, and stress encourages belly fat storage, especially around your waist, hips and upper arms
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The brain’s fear centre becomes hyperactive when it is sleep deprived or stressed. This is why small problems start to feel overwhelming
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Without good rest and stress, your energy reserves drop, leaving you groggy, unfocused or completely burnt out by mid-morning
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