In the fast-paced world of modern life, many people are increasingly faced with sleep-related problems, unaware of the profound impact that poor sleep has on their physical and mental health. Sleep quality is closely linked to the occurrence and development of psychosomatic disorders — conditions where psychological distress is directly manifested through physical symptoms. But how are these two terms actually related and what are the consequences of this biological connection?

Sleep plays a vital role in maintaining physical and mental balance. During sleep, the body regenerates, hormones are balanced, and the brain processes daily events and emotions. Lack of sleep, especially chronic, can have serious consequences.

Research confirms that people who suffer from sleep disorders have an increased risk of developing anxiety, depression, and somatic symptoms. Sleep itself is divided into 4 stages: the first 3 stages are part of NREM (non-REM) sleep, while the last stage is REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. In NREM sleep, there is a transition from wakefulness to sleep, with an increase in melatonin levels and a slowdown in brain activity. REM sleep is a state of consciousness during sleep, and dreams occur in this stage. This stage gets its name from the rapid movement of the eyeballs while we dream. The REM stage occurs at intervals of 90 minutes, which means that during the night the REM and NREM stages alternate. 

Psychosomatic disorders are physical illnesses that are the result of psychological factors, such as stress, anxiety or depression. Typical examples of such illnesses are: gastrointestinal problems (such as irritable bowel syndrome), heart disease, blood pressure problems, diabetes, arthritis and dermatological problems. There is no single specific cause for their occurrence, but it is believed that they occur based on genetics, a person’s character, biological factors and the environment. Symptoms of psychosomatic disorders can seem like everyday conditions, and they are most often: low immunity, chest and muscle pain, frequent headaches and dizziness, digestive problems, fatigue and anxiety.

There is a complex, two-way connection between psychosomatic diseases and sleep. This connection was first noticed by Aristotle, who believed that dreams can be one of the first indicators of physical changes

Research shows that people with mental disorders more often experience repetitive, intense nightmares that cause awakening and negatively affect the quality of sleep and daily functioning. Nightmares are often triggered by stress, trauma or certain substances, and their memory can prolong anxiety in the waking state. Nightmares are twice as common in people with depression, because during REM sleep their eyeballs move significantly faster. Various studies show that 20% of people with generalized anxiety disorder, and as many as 55% of people with psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia, have persistent nightmares. However, in people with psychotic disorders, these dreams are much more bizarre, because after waking up the individual is delirious and cannot distinguish between reality and dream.

Another, different psychosomatic illness that affects sleep is insomnia itself. Insomnia manifests itself through problems falling asleep, sleeping only short periods of the night and feeling restless. Insomnia is a side effect of various mental illnesses and conditions, and can also be a product of excessive stress in everyday life. People who suffer from insomnia feel nervous, tired during the day, have low concentration and reduced memory, which can further result in the development of chronic diseases.

Although the situation may seem complex, there are effective interventions that can help:

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy that has shown to be particularly effective in people with insomnia and psychosomatic symptoms. It focuses on identifying and changing negative thoughts and destructive habits that disrupt sleep. The treatment is structured and results are often visible within a few weeks.

Meditation and relaxation techniques are practices that reduce stress levels and improve the ability to fall asleep. They are especially useful for people who live under constant pressure.

Regular physical activity and a healthy diet contribute to better sleep and a better mood. At the same time, it reduces stress levels and strengthens the body’s resilience.

The connection between sleep and psychosomatic disorders is deep, complex and essential for understanding modern health challenges. Poor sleep is not only a consequence, but often a cause of mental and physical disorders. As far as awareness, education and the application of scientifically supported methods go, we can restore balance and improve the quality of life.

Taking care of sleep is part of taking care of yourself. In a world where speed and productivity are often more important than rest, bringing quality sleep back into focus is one of the most revolutionary steps we can take for our health.

Dela Dodevska

Sources:

Kaplan and Sadock’s synopsis of psychiatry: Behavioral Sciences/Clinical Psychiatry; Eleventh
edition, 2015 (465-468)
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21521-psychosomatic-disorder
https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/5fiziologija-na-son/15505233
https://sleepdoctor.com/pages/health/dreams
https://stanfordhealthcare.org/medical-treatments/c/cognitive-behavioral-therapy-insomnia/procedures.html
https://www.apa.org/topics/mindfulness/meditation