Is Stress Keeping You Up at Night?

Jul 18
2 min read

Updated: Sep 17

Do you find yourself wide awake at 3 AM with your mind racing and your heart pounding? You’re not alone. This “wired and tired” feeling is a classic sign that your nervous system is stuck in overdrive. It can leave you feeling exhausted, anxious, and struggling to sleep.

As a Clinical Reflexologist, I see this all the time. The good news? Reflexology—whether on the feet or face—can help calm your nervous system, ease anxiety, and support more restful sleep.

How Stress Affects Your Body

When we’re under constant stress, the body switches into “fight or flight” mode. This response is useful in short bursts. However, over time, it can lead to several issues:

Trouble falling or staying asleep
Muscle tension, jaw clenching, and headaches
Racing heart and feelings of panic
Digestive upsets and low energy

Your body needs time in “rest and repair” mode to heal, recharge, and balance hormones. Reflexology helps guide it there.

How Reflexology Can Help

By applying gentle pressure to specific reflex points on your feet, hands, or face, reflexology sends calming signals to the nervous system. This helps shift your body from high alert into deep relaxation.

Here’s what studies and clients report:

✅ Calms the Nervous System

Reflexology has been shown to lower stress hormones (like cortisol) and calm an overactive mind.

✅ Eases Anxiety & Lowers Blood Pressure

Research shows it can reduce anxiety scores, bring down blood pressure, and slow a racing heart. This is especially helpful for managing panic attacks and chronic stress.

✅ Supports Better Sleep

Regular sessions have been linked to improved sleep quality and fewer night-time awakenings. Many clients say they sleep soundly for the first time in weeks.

✅ Releases Tension

Reflexology helps melt away tightness in the neck, shoulders, and jaw—areas where we often “hold” our stress.

What Clients Say 💬

“It’s the first time I’ve slept through the night in weeks.”

“My mind felt clear and my body felt light, like I could finally breathe.”

Many clients report feeling calmer, grounded, and deeply relaxed—even after just one session.

Tips for Night-Time Calm 💤

To enhance your relaxation and improve your sleep, consider these tips:

Avoid screens: Try to stay away from screens at least one hour before bed. Instead, read a book or journal.
Self-reflexology: Learn some gentle techniques to use at home. I can show you how to perform self-reflexology points effectively.
Practice 4-7-8 breathing: This technique helps slow your heart rate and settle your mind.