Including Nightmares, These Are Signs Sleep Quality Is Disturbed Due To Stress

Stress illustration. (Pexels/Andrea Piacquadio)

JAKARTA - Good quality sleep at night is crucial for the body to rest and be refreshed for the next day's activities. However, many people experience disturbed sleep quality, one of the reasons being stress.

Stress can manifest in various forms during sleep, from difficulty falling asleep to nightmares. Therefore, it's important to recognize the signs of disturbed sleep quality due to stress so that they can be addressed promptly, as follows:

1. Insomnia

One sign of stress is insomnia, which is difficulty sleeping at night. This occurs because when someone is stressed, the brain tends to remain active even when it's time to rest.

"When someone is stressed, the brain remains active and has difficulty resting. This is what makes it difficult for many people to close their eyes even though their bodies are tired," said Phil Gehrman, professor of clinical psychology at the University of Pennsylvania, as quoted by Huff Post, on Wednesday, September 24, 2025.

It's important to note that insomnia is more than just a common sleep disorder; if it persists for a long time, it can lead to anxiety disorders and even stroke. Therefore, if this symptom persists for a long time, it should not be taken lightly and must be addressed.

2. Nightmares

Nightmares often occur when the mind is overloaded. According to sleep specialist Dr. Daniel Barone, nightmares can be triggered by mental conditions such as stress, anxiety, or depression.

“Have you ever dreamed of forgetting your passport before an important trip? Or dreaming of working while facing a deadline? That's usually related to the stress you're experiencing,” he explained.

3. Parasomnias

Stress can also trigger parasomnias, sleep disorders that cause a person to talk, walk, or even eat while asleep.

“If anxiety levels are high, the likelihood of parasomnias also increases,” Gehrman continued.

Sufferers are usually unaware of this behavior at first, so a partner or family member who is nearby will first notice. If this occurs frequently, it is recommended to consult a doctor to avoid the risk of injury or more serious sleep disorders.