We can say with some confidence that the 2020 presidential race put few to sleep. Indeed, the stress of the election might actually have kept us up nights regardless of our political inclinations.
Poor sleep habits and stress can mess with our brains and bodies, leading to higher cardiovascular risk, obesity, diabetes and cognitive problems.
Stress acts like a jolt to our nervous system, with our bodies releasing stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol that elevate heart rate, blood pressure and increase energy as part of the human fight-or-flight response. This, in the short term, helps us fend off danger.
But keep that flow of stress on for days, weeks or months, and all sorts of ills can befall the body.
Boston scientists tracked 437 American adults and 106 international volunteers as part of a study to analyze an election’s impact on the body. Individuals reported their sleep quality and duration, alcohol consumption and when they were stressed or in a bad mood. They did so about a dozen days at a time in three periods — a month before the election, immediately before and right after.
Researchers found a noteworthy correlation. In the run-up to the election, everyone’s sleep deteriorated. But the U.S. participants reported more significant sleep loss in the days leading up to and after votes were cast.
And the Americans drank more alcohol on Election Day and the date, days later, when the race was finally called, than did the Europeans.
So, don’t shout at the TV as your candidate’s numbers roll in. Read a book. Hug your puppy. Relax. Keep the beers in the fridge.
An election is important. So too is your health.