What is a physical symptom that can indicate the presence of stress?

Sleep disorders are a recognized physical symptom of stress. When a person experiences stress, the body may react in various ways, and disrupted sleep patterns are one of the most common manifestations. Stress can lead to difficulties in falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing restful sleep, often resulting in insomnia or sleep apnea. This interconnectedness occurs because stress activates the body's fight-or-flight response, which can interfere with normal sleep cycles.

In contrast, increased vitality and enhanced immune function are generally associated with lower levels of stress or improved well-being. A decrease in headaches is particularly not linked to stress; alternatively, stress can be a trigger for tension headaches or migraines, illustrating how closely related stress is to physical symptoms. Thus, sleep disorders effectively highlight the physical manifestations of stress on the body, making it an accurate choice in identifying signs of stress.