The average adult needs about seven hours of sleep to feel rested and functional. Teenagers need two additional hours to maintain daily function. This number may be higher if you have a chronic mental or physical illness. Can lack of sleep cause anxiety? Unfortunately, insufficient sleep can lead to significant anxiety. Moreover, anxiety can worsen sleeplessness, creating a vicious cycle. People with anxiety may also struggle to fall or stay asleep.
If you or someone you love experiences anxiety and sleep problems, contact The Right Step online or call 17135283709 to learn more about the effects of anxiety and how our anxiety treatment program can help you or your loved one.
The Connection Between Sleep and Anxiety
Lack of sleep can cause anxiety—there is a strong link between these conditions. Understanding the connection between sleep and your mental and emotional state is essential. Some people don’t qualify for an anxiety disorder diagnosis but still feel anxiousness that interferes with their sleep. In other cases, an anxiety disorder leads to significant insomnia or other sleep disturbances. However, not all anxious people or those with anxiety disorders experience disruptions in their rest.
What Else Happens When You Experience Lack of Sleep?
Some negative impacts of lack of sleep include the following:
- Memory problems, lack of concentration, and poor decision-making
- Paranoia, panic attacks, and increased anxiety levels
- Irritability and lack of resilience to stress
- Heightened risk of physical illness
- Mild cognitive impairment
- Increased stress hormone levels in the body (cortisol)
- Poor judgment
- Decreased performance in day-to-day activities
- Increased risk of mental health problems
Anxiety from lack of sleep usually occurs with a sleep disorder rather than occasional sleep problems. However, worry can arise during any sleepless episode, whether directed at insomnia or an upcoming activity.
What Is Sleep Anxiety?
Scientists believe sleep deprivation and disruptions may contribute to anxiety conditions like generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic disorder. In cases where a lack of sleep causes anxiety, the two can become so intertwined it’s challenging to separate them. Anxiety linked to lack of sleep or a sleep disorder may have several symptoms, including:
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Difficulty staying asleep
- Increased anxiety levels during the night
- Excessive worrying
Sleep anxiety occurs when worry prevents you from falling asleep. Consistent anxiety can lead to ongoing sleep problems rather than occasional insomnia. These disruptions may trigger depression and other mental health issues, including bipolar disorder. Anxiety can also affect sleep quality, causing nightmares or frequent awakenings. Lack of sleep with increased euphoria or dysphoria could indicate a manic episode. However, not everyone with sleep issues will develop anxiety or other mental health conditions.
Common Nighttime Anxiety Risk Factors
If you’ve long nights awake and worrying, it could be due to several factors:
- Chronic pain
- Health problems causing sleep issues
- Medications affecting sleep patterns
- Drinking caffeine or alcohol late in the day
- Worrying about finances, relationships, work, and other stressors before bed
These factors can disrupt your thinking and make it hard to fall asleep. When anxiety is involved, sleeplessness can worsen. There are also the dangers of using substances to sleep, which can lead to more episodes of insomnia.
How to Treat the Effects of Sleep Anxiety
If you or someone you love is experiencing sleeplessness and anxiety, it’s essential to seek help. Various forms of therapy and treatment can help, including:
- Medication therapy
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Meditation and mindfulness
- Yoga therapy
- Exercise
- Sleep hygiene
Sleeplessness due to anxiety can be stressful and challenging to cope with. Contact The Right Step today if you or a loved one needs help with sleep and mental health.
Connect with The Right Step and Start Anxiety Treatment in Texas Today
At The Right Step, we recognize the link between sleep and mental health. Our professionals help address underlying causes and develop coping mechanisms for anxiety. Our treatment programs allow you to rest, start your day right, and tackle your worries. Contact our team online or call 17135283709 today for more information.
