Poor or inadequate sleep can result in irritability and stress, while stress can make it difficult to fall asleep, or stay asleep by causing hyper-arousal in your body and mind. This can lead to a vicious cycle of sleep deprivation and feelings of stress and irritability. What can you do? Exercise daily, take time to wind down before bedtime (which means no phones, tablets or computers), and try practicing a relaxation technique such as autogenic relaxation. Autogenic relaxation is one of many techniques to help you reduce anxiety, achieve deep relaxation, and relieve stress by using visual imagery and body awareness.