Financing a household is stressful, and money worries are a common cause of sleep disruption But the secret to a good night's sleep may lie in your savings account and how often you save

It's easy to assume that the best mattress or sleeping environment will help you sleep better, but a new study suggests that saving money can help improve sleep quality Researchers at the University of Bristol in the UK found that setting aside a certain amount of money each month, no matter how small, makes people more relaxed and more optimistic about the future, which in turn helps them sleep better at night

The study also found that low-income individuals who saved regularly had the same level of life satisfaction as wealthier individuals who did not save It has been suggested that benefits such as an improved sense of well-being and sleeping well are due to regular savers feeling less anxious about money, feeling more capable of dealing with unexpected events, and being less likely to experience debt

The University of Bristol's Understanding Society study, commissioned by the Building Societies Association, found that the majority of evidence indicates a positive relationship between savings and wellbeing

The University of Bristol collected data over the past decade and found that seeing a savings account grow is rewarding, regardless of the amount

When asked, 72% of those surveyed who had not saved said their sleep quality was “very” or “fair” good This figure rose to 78% among those who regularly save something, regardless of the amount saved

Studies also show that regular savings can have a significant impact on the wellbeing of working-age and low-income individuals This is attributed to the ability to eliminate debt by eliminating the need to borrow, have money available to withdraw in an emergency, and build positive money management behaviors to achieve a variety of financial goals

However, when participants who were able to save at least $650 (£500) per month were asked, a larger percentage reported experiencing better sleep, feeling more relaxed, and having a more positive outlook on the future

Kevin Shahnazar, founder and CEO of FinlyWealth, said, “Financial stability acts as a powerful sleep aid When you save money, you are not just increasing your bank balance, you are investing in your peace of mind and physical health It's a simple and effective way to improve your overall quality of life”

Regardless of your financial situation, being able to save money is beneficial all around, and knowing that you have a savings pot set aside in case you need it can relieve a great deal of pressure For example, if you are just starting out in your career, having a few months of your salary saved to deal with emergencies such as unemployment will naturally give you a greater sense of security Similarly, if you are just starting your career, saving money can help you on the road to a major purchase, such as your first home

When anxiety rears its ugly head, a good night's sleep can seem almost impossible However, there are several techniques and strategies you can use to calm your mind and body, even when you are feeling anxious, whether it is financial problems or something else that is preventing you from sleeping

Having a regular bedtime routine can make a big difference in the quality of your sleep Establishing a consistent sleep schedule activates the body's natural biological clock and allows the body to become accustomed to the times it sleeps and wakes This consistency helps reduce feelings of anxiety and stress associated with sleep disturbances

If you are looking for the best way to sleep when you are feeling anxious, incorporating relaxation techniques into your nightly routine should be at the top of your list Deep breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, lowers the heart rate, lowers blood pressure, and puts the body into a state of deep relaxation You can also engage in mindfulness exercises that teach you how to focus on the present moment and let go of anxious thoughts and feelings

Establishing a nighttime routine can help you fall asleep faster Try to develop a calming habit before bed, such as taking a warm bath, reading a book, or listening to a meditation podcast Avoid looking at screens at least an hour before you go to sleep and for an hour after you wake up in the morning, which will help keep your anxious mind at bay throughout the day If you still have trouble falling asleep, follow the 15-minute sleep rule That is, get out of bed, do some work for 15 minutes, and return to bed when you feel tired again

Quality sleep does not begin the moment you get under the covers If you want to sleep well at night and drive anxiety out of your life, you need to make some serious lifestyle adjustments Eat a healthy diet and avoid alcohol and caffeine, especially before bed, as they can interfere with sleep Also, develop an exercise routine, as regular physical activity can improve your mood and increase your sense of well-being However, avoid strenuous exercise more than one hour before bed [Progressive Muscle Relaxation is a technique that should be tried by those who have trouble sleeping Progressive Muscle Relaxation is a technique invented in the 1920s that tenses and relaxes different muscle groups one at a time Doing this allows one to focus on the sensations of tension and release, thus calming the mind and making it easier to fall asleep

Weighted blankets can help to alleviate anxiety and calm the mind This is done through deep pressure stimulation that mimics the sensation of being hugged or wrapped This sensation activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for rest and relaxation The best weighted blankets also help increase the production of serotonin and dopamine, which promote relaxation, happiness, and well-being And sleeping under a weighted blanket will help you feel more relaxed and less anxious

Journaling can relieve anxiety in several ways and promote better sleep Anxiety often stems from stored emotions and worries, so journaling is a way to release those thoughts and feelings in a safe, private space and give you a chance to process them Journaling can also be incredibly calming and therapeutic It helps you to step away from worry and focus your attention on the present moment Journaling before bed allows you to let it all out and helps you relax and fall asleep