Sleep Anxiety and Insomnia

Going to sleep is definitely a natural act, but for a few people, it’s a task to be achieved. There are people who become anxious as soon as night shines. Even a few older adults become anxious about the amount of sleep which they get, it often comes to their mind that this much sleep is not enough. Stress and anxiety can cause sleep problems or worsen existing problems. Many of us see the clock or keep lying restlessly on bed when we can’t sleep for a night or two. But for some people, restless nights are a routine.

Sleep disorders can be characterized by abnormal sleep patterns that interfere with physical, mental, and emotional functioning. Stress or anxiety can cause a seriously bad impact on health and give sleepless nights.

Egg or Chicken?

Like it’s always debatable whether the egg came first or chicken, similarly anxiety causes sleep problems or sleep problems cause anxiety disorder, goes both ways.

Tiredness is one factor associated closely with insufficient sleep. Sleep deprivation leads to poor performance at work/ school, high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, obesity, increased risk of accidents/ injury.

How to Reduce Anxiety

• Meditate

Breath in and out slowly and visualize a blissful environment like grasslands, hilltop, flower gardens, beach, etc

• Exercise

Regular exercise is the best natural medicine for your physical and mental health, exercise helps in exhaling frustrations and releases mood-enhancing hormones.

• Yoga

To reduce anxiety and stress effectively yoga is the best natural remedy. This helps in keeping the body and mind in a proper healthy state.

• Music Therapy

Listening to soothing and calm music acts as a therapy to reduce anxiety.

• Adequate Sleep

Make sleep your priority, sound sleep recharges your brain and improves mental efficiency, focus, concentration, and mood.

• Speak to Someone

Have some friends and family members to whom you can speak and take guidance, if required speak to a doctor.

• Move Your Body

Take little dance steps and feel happiness.

• Help Others

Lend a helping hand to somebody in need, volunteer to serve the needy and society. Helping others gives your mind satisfaction and peace, and takes your mind off your own anxiety and fear.

How to get Sound Sleep

• Make a good night’s sleep your priority. Decide firmly to rest for 7-8 hours uninterrupted.
• Try to set your routine of bedtime and waking up.
• Avoid stimulants like chocolate, nicotine, coffee, etc before bedtime. Watching TV or mobile before going to bed is a big NO. Rather reading a book or listening to music can be the best option.
• Make your bedroom a quiet, cool, and dark place along with comfortable bedding, and it should be only reserved for relaxing, not for watching TV or doing work.
• Include regular exercise in your routine to get better sleep. Also, avoid taking afternoon naps.
• Avoid looking at the clock many times because this enhances anxiety. It’s better to keep the clock away from you.
• Consult your physician if you still find it difficult to sleep.