The National Institute of Mental Health reports that almost twenty percent of American adults suffer from anxiety. If you suspect you might have an anxiety disorder, consider making an appointment with Metairie’s trusted psychiatrist today.
Anxiety-induced insomnia is one of the many disorders that people deal with daily. It can cause sleep disturbances and make it impossible for people to sleep at times, which can leave them tired all day long. Finding the right treatment can get it under control so you can start sleeping through the night again.
What Is Anxiety-Induced Insomnia?
Anxiety-induced insomnia is a disorder that can cause individuals to experience sleep disturbances almost every night. Those affected by it often struggle to both fall asleep and stay asleep due to their anxiety. This can create a vicious cycle, where the inability to sleep leads to more anxiety, which in turn worsens the insomnia. Sufferers find themselves trapped in a frustrating and seemingly endless pattern of waking up and being unable to drift back to sleep.
Research has shown that anywhere from 24 to 36% of those with an anxiety disorder also suffer from insomnia. This highlights the prevalence of this problem among so many American adults.
Diagnosing Anxiety-Induced Insomnia
You might have anxiety-induced insomnia if you’ve seen any of these symptoms for prolonged periods:
- Trouble falling asleep
- Waking up in the middle of the night frequently
- Waking up in the morning earlier than intended and not being able to fall back to sleep
- Experiencing ruminating thoughts while lying in bed
- Feeling tired and rundown during the day
- Struggling to focus and concentrate while at school or work
- Worrying about going to bed long before it’s time to do it
While these are symptoms of anxiety-induced insomnia, they could serve as signs of other sleep disorders as well. For this reason, you should schedule an appointment with a psychiatrist to get an accurate diagnosis of your poor sleep hygiene.
Treating Anxiety-Induced Insomnia
Living with anxiety can be tough, especially when it affects your sleep. However, it’s possible to manage anxiety and still get a good night’s rest. The key is to take a proactive approach to addressing it.
If a psychiatrist diagnoses you with anxiety-induced insomnia, they may recommend any number of treatments. Here are just a few of the options you’ll have when trying to combat this type of anxiety:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Deep breathing exercises
- Mindfulness meditation
A psychiatrist can also suggest other relaxation techniques to assist you in getting ready for bed each night. For example, you may try limiting screen time before bed or keeping your phone in a different room. Other activities, like reading or taking a bath, can help you wind down prior to bedtime.
Managing Anxiety-Induced Insomnia
Anxiety can be challenging to manage, but it is not incurable. You can manage anxiety and, more specifically, anxiety-induced insomnia by continuing to see a psychiatrist moving forward and using the techniques they put in place for you.
A psychiatrist might also recommend medications if you don’t respond to relaxation techniques, though it’s usually not a good idea to use medications as a long-term solution to sleep disorders. Your body and mind might start to depend on them more than they should, and this could lead to a whole new set of sleep problems in the future.
Speak With a Psychiatrist About Your Anxiety and Sleep Issues Today
Is anxiety-induced insomnia making it difficult for you to fall asleep every night? Crescent City Psychiatric can match you with a psychiatrist who can perform an evaluation and come up with a treatment plan to help you manage your symptoms. Our psychiatrists can also answer important questions from our clients, such as, “Is anxiety a mood disorder?” You can overcome barriers to mental well-being by working with one of our professionals. Call us at (985) 249-1322 or reach out online to schedule a consultation.
