Stress is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon, involving multiple processes placed on different epistemological levels investigated by different disciplines (e.g., physics, biology, medicine, psychology). In turn, stress is influenced by several factors of various nature (e.g., biochemical, genetic, psychosocial) with a transitory (e.g., exam, job interview), chronic (e.g., war, permanent disability), and even dispositional time course (e.g., anxiety disorder). We are used to think about stress as a negative condition leading to even worse somatic and psychological reactions, but is this always true?
Don't lose sleep over it. Easier said than done. Sleep and - more generally - recovery are fundamental processes for our health, well-being, and productivity. However, the hectic pace of modern society, the increasingly long working hours, and the thoughts and worries that follow us outside work are stealing our precious “leisure time”. What risks are implied by lack of recovery? How does stress - particularly work stress - steal our sleep?