How can grief affect one’s physical health?
Research shows that people, especially in their first year of grief, experience more physical and psychological problems. They tend to see their physicians more frequently. Men have been shown to be at higher risk for sudden death in the first year after their spouse’s death, particularly those men whose wives connected them to a social network. A number of studies have indicated that sleep patterns can be altered in bereavement. Results of some sleep/wakefulness studies suggest that symptoms of stress and depression can make it harder to fall asleep, as well as lead to changes in REM (rapid eye-movement sleep) sleep patterns, when dreaming occurs. There is also a reduction in the overall quality of sleep. If people have significant problems sleeping, they may want to talk to their physician, as sleep is an important part of maintaining your immune system. Talking with a supportive person, getting exercise and eating a nutritious diet are other ways to get better sleep and bolster one’
