Sleep anxiety refers to the nervous thought patterns some people go through at night. These thoughts often turn into a vicious cycle, keeping you uneasy at night, stressed in the morning, and worried about bedtime every evening.
Related: How to Stop Stressing About Work at Night
However, from trying nighttime meditation to adjusting your bedroom temperature, there is a range of ways to relieve stress before bed. To help you better understand sleep anxiety and get the shut-eye you need, keep reading for everything you should know about sleep anxiety.
Sleep Anxiety Symptoms
Sleep anxiety can manifest in a variety of ways depending on the person. Here are some of the symptoms those suffering from sleep anxiety might experience:
- Difficulty falling and staying asleep
- Difficulty focusing
- Restlessness and nervousness
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Nightmares and night terrors
- Twitching
- Panic attacks
Sleep Anxiety Causes
So, what’s the culprit? There are several causes that can lead to sleep anxiety. These are just a handful of them:
- Too much stress during the day
- Fear
- Rapid thought patterns
- Poor sleeping habits
- Anxiety disorders
Sleep Anxiety Effects
Just as the symptoms and causes of sleep anxiety can vary, so can the effects. Any of the following could be a result of the vicious cycle:
- Negative moods
- Poor performance at school or work
- Difficulty learning and paying attention
- Increased risk of depression
- Reduced cognitive reaction times
Sleep Anxiety Remedies
Although the impact of sleep anxiety can be significant, there are simple ways to reduce it. If you experience sleep anxiety, give these tips steps a try:
- Improve sleep hygiene by limiting naps and getting enough sun.
- Practice nighttime meditation and light yoga.
- Exercise during the day.
- Carve out at least 30 minutes to wind down.
- Avoid stress-inducing activities before bed.
- Jot down your worries in a journal.
- Do something else if you can’t sleep, and then try to fall asleep again.
- Limit screen time.
- Make your bedroom quiet, dark, and cool.
- Invest in a better bed.
- Use a weighted blanket.
Those who suffer from sleep anxiety understand the negative impact it can have on your wellbeing. However, by following several easy steps, you can ease your worries and get some much-needed rest.
For even more information about sleep anxiety, check out the infographic below.
