NEW YORK – Sleep struggles can be a common issue for many people, with stress and anxiety often playing a significant role. In fact, according to trauma and stress coach Liz Tenuto, also known as “The Workout Witch” on social media, stress can manifest in surprising ways, such as causing a strange sound many people experience before falling asleep.
Tenuto explained that this phenomenon, known as Pulsatile Tinnitus, is actually a sign that the body is stuck in a stress response. This annoying sound, which can be described as rhythmic thumping or whooshing in the ears, is exacerbated by stress and can make it difficult for individuals to relax and unwind before sleep.
In addition to the more commonly discussed manifestations of stress, such as weight gain and rapid breathing, Pulsatile Tinnitus is another indication of the body’s response to stress. This phenomenon, often reported as a frustrating and intense experience for many, can also make it challenging for people to concentrate or fall asleep, especially when they lie down in a quiet environment.
Despite the debilitating nature of this stress-related sound, it is surprisingly common, affecting nearly 1.5 million Americans currently and approximately 50 million in their lifetime, according to The Hearing Center. However, there are ways to alleviate the noise and coach the body into de-stressing.
Experts suggest relaxation techniques like meditation, therapy to help individuals pay less attention to the noise, and the use of sound generators like white noise to aid in falling asleep. Additionally, making dietary changes and managing nutritional intake can also be effective in easing stress, such as consuming foods rich in magnesium and fueling the body to stimulate the nervous system in ways that reduce the impact of stress-related sounds. If these strategies do not provide relief, seeking attention from a health professional is recommended.