Toxic People, Money & Sleep

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Symptoms of Chronic Poor Sleep During the Holidays

First, I want to thank BetterSleep for sponsoring this edition of FT.

The holiday season is a time of joy, connection, and celebration—but it can also be one of the most stressful times of the year. With packed schedules, late nights, financial pressures, and endless to-do lists sleep often takes a backseat.

Having even one wee narcissist in your life can be detrimental to your sleep and mental health- and more.

Unfortunately, the effects of poor sleep go beyond feeling tired the next day. Over time, chronic sleep deprivation can impact your physical health, emotional resilience, and even your ability to enjoy the season. When it comes to a toxic person, it gets worse. The cycle continues and they make you more and more vulnerable.

Before we discuss the many symptoms (I did not list all of them; there are too many), I wanted to talk about money and sleep—or lack thereof.

The Sleep-Deprivation Domino Effect on Decision-Making

When we don’t get enough sleep, our brain’s ability to make sound decisions is significantly compromised. Sleep deprivation hampers the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for critical thinking, impulse control, and judgment. This can lead to impulsive financial decisions, like overspending or unnecessary purchases, to soothe emotional discomfort. Over time, these small choices can snowball, disrupting budgets and long-term financial goals. A lack of sleep also reduces dopamine levels, leaving us less motivated and resilient. With lower resilience, recovering from setbacks or sticking to plans becomes harder, making financial challenges feel even more daunting.

Sleep Loss and Emotional Spending: A Costly Coping Mechanism

Lack of sleep often leaves us feeling irritable, stressed, and overwhelmed. To cope, many people turn to retail therapy, comfort foods, or other emotional purchases that provide a temporary mood boost. These choices might feel good in the moment, but they can leave lasting dents in your wallet. Sleep deprivation compounds this by lowering dopamine, the neurotransmitter that helps us feel pleasure and rewards. Without it, our ability to resist emotional spending weakens, and we’re more likely to seek short-term comfort over long-term financial stability.

Sleep and Productivity: The Link to Earning Potential

Chronic sleep deprivation doesn’t just impact spending; it can also affect earning potential. A foggy, tired mind struggles to perform efficiently at work, leading to decreased productivity and missed opportunities for career growth. The effects can be even more pronounced for business owners, as sleep loss clouds judgment in critical areas like planning, client interactions, and strategic investments. Reduced dopamine levels further exacerbate the problem, lowering motivation and drive, essential for achieving financial success. When sleep takes a backseat, your financial well-being often follows.

Symptoms of Chronic Poor Sleep

Physical Symptoms:

• Persistent fatigue: Feeling tired even after a whole night in bed.

• Weakened immunity: Frequent colds, infections, or slow recovery from illness.

• Weight changes: Unexplained weight gain, especially around the midsection, or difficulty losing weight.

• Digestive issues: Increased bloating, constipation, or other gastrointestinal problems.

• Aches and pains: Headaches, joint pain, or muscle tension.

Cognitive Symptoms:

• Brain fog: Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, or making decisions.

• Slowed reaction times: Feeling clumsy or accident-prone.

• Poor problem-solving: Struggling with mental tasks you typically manage with ease.

Emotional Symptoms:

• Mood swings: Increased irritability, sadness, or emotional sensitivity.

• Anxiety and stress: Feeling overwhelmed or “on edge.”

• Depression-like symptoms: Low motivation, withdrawal, or feelings of hopelessness.

Hormonal-Related Symptoms:

• Irregular periods: Disrupted menstrual cycles or worsening PMS symptoms.

• Hair loss: Thinning hair or more shedding than usual.

• Skin issues: Breakouts, dryness, or dull complexion- and even itchy ears.

• Weight Gain: Mid-section weight gain.

• Blood Pressure, Insulin Resistance, etc

Sleep-Specific Symptoms:

• Difficulty falling asleep: Lying awake for extended periods before drifting off.

• Waking frequently: Inability to stay asleep through the night.

• Early waking: Consistently waking up earlier than desired and being unable to fall back asleep.

Take Care of Your Sleep—and Yourself

As you navigate the hustle and bustle of the holidays, remember that rest is not a luxury; it’s essential. Prioritizing sleep helps you feel your best and equips you to handle holiday stress gracefully. Simple changes, like setting boundaries on late-night activities, practicing relaxation before bed, and carving out time for rest, can make a big difference.

This season, give yourself the gift of better sleep—it might just be the best way to enjoy the magic of the holidays truly. And if you notice persistent symptoms, reach out to a healthcare professional to ensure your body is getting the care it needs.

If you’d like more (and deeper dives) on sleep and its connection to mental and fiscal health, hit reply and let me know.

Thank you, Bettersleep, for sponsoring this special edition.

Peacefully,

Michele

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