Certified Polysomnographic Technician (CPSGT) Practice Exam

Stress or anxiety is a recognized common cause of insomnia due to its impact on the body's ability to relax and initiate sleep. When an individual is experiencing stress or anxiety, the body's fight-or-flight response can become activated, leading to heightened alertness and difficulty in winding down at night. The mental preoccupation with worries and concerns can also inhibit the brain from transitioning into the necessary stages of sleep. This connection between emotional well-being and sleep quality has been well-documented, with many studies indicating that effective management of stress and anxiety can significantly improve sleep patterns.

While dietary habits, physical fitness levels, and exposure to bright light can impact sleep, they are often secondary factors compared to the direct effect stress and anxiety have on the inability to sleep. Dietary habits can lead to insomnia if, for example, someone consumes caffeine or heavy meals close to bedtime. Physical fitness levels can influence sleep quality, as regular exercise often promotes better sleep; however, inactivity can sometimes lead to insomnia, especially if accompanied by stress. Similarly, exposure to bright light, particularly blue light from screens, has been shown to disrupt the sleep-wake cycle, but it is often the underlying stress or anxiety that exacerbates the sleeplessness related to these factors.