Lack of sleep is not normal it could be a threatening disorder!

Have you ever twisted and turned in your bed through the night because you had a huge exam the next day? Or 

Have you ever felt uncontrollable exhaustion after getting bad news? That in the simplest way is the way anxiety affects sleep. Contradictory we know, but that’s exactly what we’re here to discuss. Which is, the impact of anxiety on sleep, and what strategies can you employ for better anxiety and stress management and focus improvement. Keep reading to find out!

How Anxiety Affects Sleep

Anxiety affects sleep in two ways:

1. Either we face difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing restful sleep. 

2. Or, it can cause excessive sleepiness, a condition known as hypersomnia. 

One sounds like an option that’s good to go, but we’ve got some bad news for you. 

Excessive anxious thoughts can keep the mind active by completely preventing sleep. Alternatively, it can have the body try to escape overwhelming stress by increasing sleep duration. The extra sleep is often not at all restorative and can lead to reduced functioning throughout the day. 

This cycle creates a vicious loop where poor sleep increases anxiety, leading to further sleep disturbances.

Consequences of Sleep Deprivation

Lack of sleep has a huge impact on mental health. It impairs cognitive functions such as memory, focus, and decision-making. Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to heightened stress levels, mood swings, and increased risk of anxiety disorders. Therefore, prioritising good sleep hygiene becomes an important aspect for effective anxiety and stress management.

Strategies for Better Sleep and Anxiety Relief

1. Establish a Regular Sleep Schedule: Regulate your body’s internal clock by having a consistent sleep time. This promotes better sleep quality and stress reduction.
2. Create a Relaxing Bedtime Routine: Engage in calming activities before bed, such as reading, listening to soothing music, or practising guided meditation. This can help ease anxiety and prepare your mind for sleep.
3. Limit Exposure to Screens: The blue light emitted by phones, tablets, and computers can interfere with the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep. Reducing screen time before bed can improve focus and concentration the next day.
4. Optimise Your Sleep Environment: Ensure your bedroom is cool, dark, and quiet. Comfortable mattress, pillows, clothes, and calming scents like lavender essential oils help pacify your senses and could help you sleep better.
5. Exercise Regularly: Physical activity is a powerful tool for stress and anxiety relief. 30 minutes of moderate exercise 3-4 days of the week is beneficial. But, avoid vigorous exercise close to bedtime.
6. Mindfulness and Meditation: Incorporate mindfulness practices and guided meditation into your daily routine. These techniques can reduce stress, lower anxiety levels, and promote a sense of calm, making it easier to fall asleep.
7. Seek Professional Help: If anxiety and sleep problems persist for a long duration, consider consulting a mental health professional. 

Uncontrollable anxiety can hamper our daily life including our sleep. Learning how to control anxiety to keep it at an optimal level improves focus, reduces stress, and increases productivity. While anxiety is generally seen in a negative light, it’s noteworthy that a certain amount of anxiety is important for general functioning. 

How do you cope with lack of sleep? 🤔Let us know! 👇