A lot of people struggle to get a good night’s sleep on occasion, but for some folks, this is a routine occurrence. Anxiety is a significant factor for the millions of Americans suffering from long-term and infrequent sleeping problems. If you’re struggling to get a full night’s rest, learn how daily stress and anxiety influence your slumber patterns and vice versa.

How Sleep Affects Anxiety

Why is my anxiety affected by sleep?

Unfortunately, anxiety disorders cause sleeping problems to worsen, and lack of sleep causes anxiety levels to increase. People with pre-existing sleep issues like insomnia and sleep apnea exacerbate their disorder by going to bed with a mind full of thoughts. Stressful workdays, to-do lists, and household problems are prone to keep you lying awake in bed for hours. A shortage of sleep will lead to more anxious feelings when you wake up.

Since the two issues are routinely intertwined, it’s important to tackle both when seeking help. A combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy and medication are viable treatments for both maladies. Without treatment, you risk underperforming at home or school and developing health conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and heart disorders.

How can I get better sleep?

Relax your mind and body to obtain a good night’s sleep. Start winding down for bed an hour before bedtime. Meditation is a proven strategy for clearing the mind before laying down to rest. Exercise is another remedy for insomnia. Studies show people who regularly engage in moderate exercise sleep longer and fall asleep faster.

Turning off all screens before bedtime, including televisions, phones, and tablets, will help your body wind down in preparation for rest. If you find yourself lying awake in bed for extended periods, try getting up and leaving the lights low while you find a comforting activity to help you relax.

If you need help dealing with your anxiety, call the experts at Lincoln Psychiatric Group in Lincoln, NE. Serving Lancaster County for over 75 years, these mental health care professionals offer flexible support for a range of issues, including schizophrenia, depression, and psychological disorders. Visit their website for a review of their services, or call them at (402) 476-7557 to schedule an appointment.