Useful Links
We hope that the Relaxation Zone can bring you everything you need to overcome any issues you have when it comes to stress – especially when you’re getting some hard-earned rest at the end of the day! However, we’ve also put together a list of useful links if you want to do a little more reading on stress and sleep.
You can look at these pages to help you leap over any hurdles you have, but they can also give a good insight into issues other people may be facing, too. We’ve shortlisted the most useful charities, public bodies and experts below – some are a little more technical than others, but there’s plenty here. We’ve also given you a brief summary of each one, so you know exactly what to expect with each link!
Stress-related links
Stress Management Society
The Stress Management Society, a not-for-profit transatlantic organisation, has plenty of resources available to help people tackle stress. It’s recognised as one of the UK’s leading authorities on stress management issues, and has worked with British Airways, Shell, the Home Office and the Football Association, among countless others. It also provides factsheets, holds events and even gives people the chance to take an online test here to see just how stressed they may be.
Mind: The Mental Health Charity on stress
Mental health is a phrase that intimidates a lot of people, but Mind ensures that any issue of this kind – however big or small – gets support and respect. Here, the charity provides advice and support to empower anyone experiencing stress. As one of the foremost campaigners for improvements in services, raising awareness and the promotion of understanding, you can guarantee that it’ll give you the help you need online, over the phone and in person.
www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/stress-guide/
Mental Health Foundation: Stress
Much like Mind, the MHF aims to find an end to mental ill health and the inequalities faced by those experiencing mental distress – including anyone with stress problems. Alongside a raft of advice, this page also provides two handy downloadable leaflets to help you – including one filled with its supporters’ tips on reducing stress.
www.mentalhealth.org.uk/help-information/mental-health-a-z/S/stress/
NHS Choices: Stress, anxiety and depression
As our own treasured healthcare service, the NHS goes above and beyond with its insights into stress, as well as other surrounding factors like anxiety and depression. Here, you’ll find a wide selection of guides, stories and even audio guides, giving you one of the best insights into stress anywhere online – as well as ways to get help from your local health service.
www.nhs.uk/Conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/Pages/understanding-stress.aspx
HSE: Stress in the workplace
Stress is often a result of work, and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has been aware of this since day one. In the 40 or so years it’s been operational, the HSE has been protecting the lives of workers across the UK, and mental elements of employment have not been overlooked. Here, it gives you the chance to understand how to spot tell-tale signs of stress, while also underlining the responsibilities for the issue that different job roles have.
Sleep-related links
The Sleep Council
The Sleep Council, funded by the National Bed Federation – an organisation that we at Time4Sleep are surprised to hear isn’t called the Bederation – was set up in 1995 as a means of giving the consumer education to raise awareness of the importance of a good night’s sleep to health and wellbeing. Here, you can access leaflets and guides such as its Bed Buyer’s Guide, which is used by GP surgeries, osteopaths and other health professionals.
British Sleep Society
The British Sleep Society (BSS) is a professional organisation for all people working with sleeping disorders in medical, scientific and healthcare backgrounds. As a registered British charity, it offers a number of guides and useful pieces of information, as well as a handy sleep centre locator.
NHS Choices: Better sleep
Much like its stress guidance, NHS Choices offers a wide array of features and guides on everything to do with sleep, so you can address your problems with rest as well as other concerns, like snoring and narcolepsy.
The Royal College of Psychologists: Sleeping well
This particularly detailed rundown of sleep from RC Psych covers a number of common problems with sleep, as well as other unusual ones you may not be aware of. There are also a few simple tips on how to sleep better, and what to do if you feel that you need more help.
www.rcpsych.ac.uk/healthadvice/problemsdisorders/sleepingwell.aspx
SLEEP (US journal)
SLEEP is a monthly peer-reviewed scientific and medical journal that publishes all sorts of sleep-related research and reports. It’s the official publication of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, so the information can be pretty technical, but it can give an interesting insight into issues you want a keener understanding of. Only subscribers can access new studies, but all articles are available free of charge six months after they’re published.
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