How does sleep affect the stress level, and vice versa? What is good to increase the stress level? You need 7-8 hours of sleep. You will increase the effectiveness of your sleep even more and you will decrease the stress level, if you go to bed at the same time every evening. In this way, It will be easier for you to fall asleep, sleep soundly and deal with stress. Don't use the smartphone before going to bed. Blue light causes sleeping troubles and, in addition to this, falling asleep is much more difficult.