The city I live in, New York, is fast-paced and everything is intense.

As a result, there are times when I get annoyed over trivial matters.

Whether it's someone brushing against my shoulder on the subway, a delayed email response from a client, or just feeling tired for no reason, I get irritated.

In the past, I used to wonder what I should do to relieve stress during such times. Should I exercise? Have a drink? Chat with a friend?

But these days, the first thought that comes to mind is, "Just sleep."

Really, after sleeping, I feel much better. Why is that?

The brain 'organizes' stressful memories.

When we sleep, our brain begins the process of organizing the information received throughout the day, including stressful memories.

Especially during REM sleep, memories related to emotions are organized, softening the negative feelings we experienced.

In simple terms, the brain quietly tells us, "Hey, don't take that too seriously."

So when I wake up in the morning, the upsetting events from the previous day have transformed into "Well, that could happen." Isn't that amazing?

Sleep reduces stress hormones.

When we are stressed, our body releases a hormone called cortisol in large amounts. If this accumulates, both the body and brain become exhausted.

However, sleep lowers cortisol levels.

When we fall asleep, the sympathetic nervous system decreases, and the parasympathetic nervous system activates, putting the body into 'recovery mode.'

So when I really feel stressed and get a good night's sleep, I feel a bit lighter, and that's why.

It 'pauses' unnecessary thoughts.

Sometimes, my mind is so cluttered that even washing my hair or eating doesn't help me focus.

When thoughts are spiraling and pushing me, sleeping is actually better. Sleep is a kind of 'forced reset.'

When I lie down with my eyes closed, all sorts of random thoughts come up, but at some point, my brain forcibly cuts them off.

As consciousness fades away and returns, strangely, everything is organized. At least I slightly detach from the center of that complicated mind.

Of course, you can't just sleep anytime.

Sometimes, I get so stressed that I can't sleep at all. I've experienced countless nights like that.

In those times, instead of forcing myself to sleep, I try to make my body comfortable. I take a shower, put my phone away, and dim the lights as much as possible.

And I just think, "It's okay if I can't sleep right now. Let's just rest a bit."

Then, strangely, my mind starts to relax. And at some point, I unknowingly drift off to sleep.

What I want to say is this.

Don't struggle to overcome stress; sometimes just give your body a chance.

Sleeping doesn't make the problem disappear, but my perspective on that problem will be a bit different.

The really strange thing is that after sleeping, I find the leisure to smile and say, "Oh, whatever."

That's the power of sleep.

And for people like us living in busy cities like New York, that might be the most realistic healing.

If you're feeling down today for no reason? Just take a warm shower, turn off the lights, and lie down quietly.

A morning that feels good might be waiting for you unexpectedly.