We all cry sometimes. Crying is a natural response to a wide range of feelings. You might cry when you’re sad, angry, or frustrated. You might even cry when you’re happy or relieved.
But what happens when you cry right before bed? Is it bad to sleep after crying? Crying can affect you both physically and emotionally, and those effects might impact the quality of your sleep.
This article will explore the science behind tears, the emotional impact of crying, and some strategies for coping with intense feelings that lead to crying. We’ll help you figure out whether it’s bad to sleep after crying, and what you can do about it.
The science of tears: More than just emotion
Tears aren’t all the same. There are actually three different kinds, and each one has a job to do.
- Basal tears keep your eyes lubricated and protect them from dust and debris.
- Reflex tears wash away irritants like smoke or a rogue eyelash.
- Emotional tears—the ones that come when you’re sad, happy, or stressed—contain stress hormones like cortisol and prolactin.
Crying can be a healthy way to release pent-up emotions and reduce stress hormones. But crying can also dehydrate you, which can lead to discomfort and disrupted sleep. And if you’re emotionally aroused, it can be hard to fall asleep in the first place.
The Emotional Rollercoaster: Why We Cry and Its Impact
Crying is a natural human response to a range of emotions, from intense joy to profound sadness. While it can be cathartic, it can also leave you feeling emotionally and physically wiped out. Understanding the triggers and impact of crying can help you navigate these emotional storms.
Common Emotional Triggers
Many things can trigger a crying spell. Here are some of the most common:
- Stressful life events: Ever felt like you’re drowning in deadlines or overwhelmed by caregiving? That stress can lead to tears.
- Relationship problems: Breakups, arguments, and misunderstandings can all stir up intense emotions.
- Grief and loss: Losing a loved one, or even the loss of a dream, can be incredibly painful.
- Trauma: Physical, sexual, or emotional abuse can leave deep scars that trigger emotional responses.
- Mental Health Conditions: Conditions like depression and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) can significantly impact your emotional state and increase the likelihood of crying.
The Impact of Crying on Emotional State
Crying can be an emotional release, a way to let out pent-up feelings. However, it can also leave you feeling drained and exhausted. It’s important to process the emotions that led to the crying spell, rather than simply suppressing them. Acknowledging and understanding your feelings is key to moving forward.
Crying in Your Sleep: Unraveling the Mystery
What is sleep crying?
Sleep crying is when you cry or sob in your sleep. It’s not uncommon, and it usually reflects what you’re feeling emotionally.
What causes sleep crying?
Crying in your sleep can be triggered by:
- Nightmares and dreams that feel very real
- Underlying mental health conditions like depression or anxiety
- Trauma or grief that hasn’t been fully processed
- REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD)
- Nocturnal panic attacks
How are emotional dreams connected to sleep crying?
Thinking about the dreams that trigger sleep crying can give you some insight into what you’re feeling deep down. Emotional dreams can be a way of working through difficult experiences, even if you don’t remember the dream itself.
The immediate aftermath: Falling asleep after crying
What happens when you finally drift off after a good cry?
Physical effects
- Dehydration and potential headaches. Crying can be surprisingly dehydrating, and that can lead to a headache.
- Facial puffiness and redness. All that sobbing can make your face puffy and red.
Mental and emotional effects
- Feeling emotionally vulnerable. You might feel emotionally exposed after a good cry.
- Potential for rumination and negative thoughts. It’s easy to get stuck in a loop of negative thoughts, but there are strategies to distract your mind from anxiety and find calm.
The importance of self-care
Take care of yourself after crying. Drink some water and try some relaxation techniques.
Strategies for soothing and promoting restful sleep
It’s tough to sleep when you’re upset! Here are some things you can try:
Pre-sleep relaxation techniques
- Deep breathing exercises: Focus on taking slow, deep, even breaths.
- Progressive muscle relaxation: Relax your body and mind, like in the PMR Deep Sleep Release.
- Mindfulness and meditation: Use mindfulness to help yourself drift off in a calmer state.
Creating a soothing bedtime routine
- Set up a regular sleep schedule.
- Make your bedroom relaxing with dim lights and a comfortable temperature.
- Don’t use screens right before bed.
- Listen to soothing sounds of nature, or even consider chamomile for sleep.
Addressing underlying emotional issues
- Write in a journal to process your emotions.
- Talk to a friend or family member you trust.
- Get professional help if you need it.
Sometimes, you just need to let it all out and then try to get some rest, perhaps with the help of homeopathic sleep remedies. Be kind to yourself!
When to seek professional help
If crying before sleeping is something that happens to you a lot, or if it’s interfering with your ability to get a good night’s rest, you might want to seek professional help.
You might also reach out to a professional if:
- you’re crying a lot, and you can’t seem to control it
- you have symptoms of depression, anxiety, or another mental health condition
- you’re dealing with trauma or grief that’s hard to process on your own
- you’re having a hard time managing your emotions and coping with stress
Frequently Asked Questions
How long to wait after crying to sleep?
There’s no magic number. Waiting isn’t about a specific timeframe, but rather about allowing yourself to calm down. Engage in relaxing activities like deep breathing, gentle stretching, or listening to calming music until you feel your heart rate and breathing return to normal before attempting sleep. The goal is to minimize sleep disruption from lingering emotional arousal.
Is it bad to cry then sleep?
Not necessarily. Crying is a natural emotional release. While sleeping immediately after a very intense crying session might lead to a restless night due to lingering physiological arousal (e.g., elevated heart rate), it’s generally not harmful. In some cases, sleep can even be restorative after emotional distress, allowing your body and mind to process what you’re feeling.
What to do after you finish crying?
After crying, focus on self-care. Gently wash your face with cool water to reduce puffiness. Drink a glass of water to rehydrate, as crying can be dehydrating. Engage in a calming activity that helps you relax, such as reading, journaling, or spending time in nature. If you’re comfortable, talk to a trusted friend or family member about what’s bothering you. Prioritize emotional and physical comfort.
What can happen after crying too much?
Excessive or prolonged crying, especially if linked to an underlying mental health condition, can lead to several consequences. These may include headaches, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, increased stress levels, and a weakened immune system. If you find yourself crying excessively or struggling to manage your emotions, seek support from a mental health professional.
Summary
It’s important to acknowledge your emotions and let yourself feel them. Crying is a natural and healthy response to emotionally challenging experiences.
If you’re having trouble sleeping after crying, try relaxation techniques, create a soothing bedtime routine, and address the underlying issues that are upsetting you.
If you’re struggling to manage your emotions, consider seeking professional help. Therapy, counseling, and support groups can be very effective in exploring your feelings and developing coping strategies.
It’s always a good idea to prioritize your emotional and mental well-being. Give yourself the time and space you need to heal.