We propose that a holistic, integrative biopsychosocial perspective on stress is fundamental to any component one sleep-quality pathway. The need for seeing the health care world through a biopsychosocial lens is particularly important when considering the dynamics of negative stress. When we are stressed, our social relationships are often blown up – or at least distorted. We tend to become preoccupied with our own welfare and our cognitive functions are impaired (we become cognitively focused and rigid). We see life through a distorted lens.
A World Filled with Lions
Essentially, under conditions of stress we are running away from the imagined or actual “lion” (challenge) mentioned in previous essays on sleep. All of our attention and physical energy is devoted to saving our own life. We are not in the mood for building new relationships or enhancing existing relationships — unless this relationship can help us escape the lion (what is often called a focus on instrumental or functional relationships). It is only after we have escaped the lion that we can devote ourselves to nurturing relationships. Post-lion recovery can promote intimacy and allow us to be vulnerable, (which in turn leads to our own continuing maturation and emotional development). We can sit around the campfire, roast marshmallows and talk about our successful race away from the lion. But this can take place only if we have escaped the lion. Otherwise, the lion is sitting around the fire with their friends talking about the great meal just consumed (gnawing on our left leg).
The problem arises when we are always imagining that lions are chasing us – in other words when we are always under stress in a world and life filled with lions. Under these conditions, it is never time to form or sustain a meaningful, growth-enhancing relationship. We can never find the time or energy to engage in anything besides instrumental relationships. This means that we are not likely to find any meaningful support among people around us when we are confronting sustained stress. We are standing alone, with no one to hold our hand or offer support (and helpful advice) about how we might best address the stress.
