Insomnia plagues many individuals, often stemming from anxiety, life changes, dietary habits, or mental health issues. However, stress can manifest in surprising ways, complicating our ability to rest and unwind.
A trauma and stress coach recently shed light on a peculiar manifestation of stress—an annoying phenomenon that often goes unnoticed but serves as a significant indicator of stress.
Pulsatile Tinnitus refers to the rhythmic beats or sounds perceived by many individuals when they lie down, often adjusting in speed to synchronize with the person's heart rate. This condition presents as rhythmic thumping or whooshing sounds in the ears, exacerbated by stress.
Many experience the phenomenon before falling asleep indicating that the body is 'stuck' in a 'stress response'. Our bodies communicate with us constantly, whether reminding us to eat, warning us of danger, or holding tension during overwhelming moments.
While common stress responses include weight gain, cold sweats, irritability, and rapid breathing, there are lesser-known manifestations. Content creator Paul Johnston-Naylor highlighted one such manifestation in his video, where he struggled to sleep because "your pillow's heartbeat keeps you up".
Pulsatile Tinnitus synchronizes with the individual's heartbeat, often becoming more pronounced in silence, making it impossible to relax. It's no wonder many individuals resort to sleeping with the TV or fan on or needing constant background noise.
Despite its obscurity, Pulsatile Tinnitus is surprisingly common. Tenuto emphasizes its prevalence, citing statistics from The Hearing Center, revealing that nearly 1.5 million Americans currently experience it, with approximately 50 million encountering it at some point in their lives.
To alleviate the distress caused by this condition, experts recommend various relaxation techniques, such as meditation and therapy, to help manage stress and anxiety. Sound generators, like white noise machines, can also aid in achieving restful sleep.
Moreover, dietary adjustments play a crucial role in stress management. Nutritionist Claire Sorlie suggests consuming caffeine after breakfast and incorporating magnesium-rich foods like avocados, hemp seeds, and coconut milk into one's diet.