Are Insomnia and Anxiety Related?

by | Jan 14, 2020 | Anxiety | 0 comments

Insomnia and anxiety have a bi-directional relationship. It is common for anxiety sufferers to have problems with insomnia too. Similarly, anxiety can make it more difficult to sleep and “switch off” at night, as the brain continues to tick over. Insomnia can also cause anxiety, as the ability to sleep and the effect it has on your concentration and performance may cause further distress. Because of the complexity of the relationship between the two conditions, you should speak to a doctor at affordable health care in Las Vegas to discuss an integrated treatment process.

Insomnia can be grouped into three categories. Early insomnia is when you go to bed and cannot fall asleep. You may lie in bed for hours tossing and turning and may wake up feeling unrested. Early insomnia can often be managed by avoiding stimulants like caffeine before bedtime, but it can be made worse if you suffer from anxiety, as the inability to fall asleep may worry you further. Middle insomnia occurs when you wake up a lot during the night or you wake up once and cannot go back to sleep. It is likely to cause anxiety, which wakes you, and is also a common symptom of both depression and anxiety. Late insomnia takes place when you get most of your sleep but you wake up too early to be able to feel energized. Late insomnia can also cause anxiety and is associated with both anxiety and depression. Some people who have severe anxiety may also experience nocturnal panic attacks, which can lead to middle insomnia.

People who battle to fall asleep are advised to get up and do something instead of staying in bed and continuing to worry.

Your insomnia treatment will be determined based on whether it is a cause or effect of anxiety, but doctors believe that curing insomnia can go a long way in assisting with anxiety management. For people who suffer from insomnia as a symptom of anxiety, then the anxiety should be the target of the treatment. lf anxiety has arisen because of insomnia, then your sleeping problems will need to be addressed first.

It is important to note that both conditions can be self-perpetuating, so you can’t expect them to self-resolve. They can both get worse if they are left untreated, so addressing them as a matter of urgency will give you the best chances of success. Clinics in Las Vegas can formulate an integrated process so that both are managed if they co-exist.