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A Growing Epidemic of Family Conflicts and the Toll of Sleeplessness

Author: Gud Sleepz Team
Date:

A Growing Epidemic of Family Conflicts and the Toll of Sleeplessness

A Growing Epidemic of Family Conflicts and the Toll of Sleeplessness

“Love me when I least deserve it, because that’s when I really need it” - Unknown


Globally, sleeplessness is a massive epidemic affecting millions of people and their well-being. A global study published in the journal of health and social behaviour found that it is not due to a prevailing sleep disorder or due to the sleep environment but due to the relationship conflicts which keeps people up all night. People are often unsure of the cause when they face sleep issues as relationship conflicts are usually classified under ‘normal’ lifestyle. The belief that these issues are common and faced by everyone else also leads people to not seek help. 


Most often women in India face issues from extended family members, in-laws or conflicts with their husbands. These women often report decreased mood, decreased quality of life and poor sleep. They often attribute their sleeplessness to physical concerns or stress but never to understand that a conflicting family environment is detrimental to one’s well-being and overall sleep quality. 


A recent study published in Frontiers  found the relationship between work-family conflicts and sleep disturbances. It was found that work-family conflict causes significant distress among Korean workers leading to increased sleep disturbances. In addition, men and women showed different burdens when it came to work-family conflicts due to change in societal roles and expectations. This just means, family conflicts don't necessarily affect your well-being but tend to influence the way you perceive your life in general. 


How to Handle Family Conflicts for a Better Sleep?


  • Compartmentalise Life: You may have heard someone say, not to bother with family stress before an important event or exam. Why is that? It is only natural for us to carry forward our emotions to the other parts of our lives as well. Therefore, it is important to compartmentalise life because our life can never be predictable. You should train yourself to switch when you change situations. And come back to the issue when you get back home. 


  • Assertiveness over Aggressiveness: As Psychologists, we often train individuals to stand up for themselves and speak up when they do not like a particular comment said by someone. Assertiveness is a skill which helps one draw boundaries, protect one’s self image and also aid others to treat you the right way with respect. This shouldn’t be confused with aggressiveness which would only make the situation worse. 


  • Support: Why would most of us feel bleak and helpless when we are faced with conflicts? We feel alone. We feel isolated. It’s important to have a strong support system or make one when it’s difficult to find in our immediate circle. For example, parents, friends, book club members, social support groups or group therapy buddies. Be creative and be more open to meeting new people. This would help when you face isolation from your closest family members. 


  • Communicate for Understanding: We often communicate the wrong way. As a Psychologist, we see everyday conflicts being a result of bad communication or bad timing. We never intend to communicate to understand the issues or resolve the issues rather to make a point. What good occurs from making a point or being right in a relationship? It’s important to be assertive, open about your feelings and have the conversation at the right timing. 


  • Journal before sleep: This is such a simple task which can do wonders for your sleep. This is because we often are weighed down due to a number of thoughts in our head. When you transfer them into a medium, it would feel lighter and more manageable. 


  • Hope this article helps to make your relationship with your family members better and help you get the restful sleep you want. 

    Good night!


    Tags: Family Conflicts , Sleeplessness

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