What is a common outcome of stress on sleep patterns?

Stress often has a significant impact on sleep patterns, commonly resulting in insomnia. When individuals experience high levels of stress, their body's fight-or-flight response can be activated, leading to heightened levels of anxiety and difficulty in relaxing. This physiological response can make it challenging to fall asleep, stay asleep, or achieve restful sleep phases, ultimately leading to insomnia.

In contrast, increased melatonin production typically occurs in response to darkness and is not directly influenced by stress in the same way. Stress generally disrupts rather than promotes deeper sleep or enhances REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, as the heightened state of alertness associated with stress can inhibit the natural sleep processes that allow for restorative sleep cycles.