People usually associate sleep with rest and relaxation, but recent research has shown that inadequate sleep can lead to higher levels of stress. The National Sleep Foundation reports that adults need around 7-8 hours of sleep per night to function effectively. However, nearly one-third of Americans report getting less than 6 hours of sleep a night. Many people who are excessively stressed may find it difficult to get a good night’s sleep because their minds are constantly racing. A lack of quality sleep can also lead to weight gain, lowered immune system function, and increased risk for chronic conditions such as heart disease and stroke. Read more here