Anxiety and Insomnia - The Vicious Cycle
Getting the facts and knowing the truth about anxiety and insomnia is an important first step towards finding lasting healing for both.
The problem is that they each feed the other which only serves to make the symptoms of both anxiety and insomnia so much worse.
Being unable to get a good night's sleep will impact your ability to use reason to guide you through those moments of fear, anxiety, and/or panic.
As a result you aren't ready to face the fears that set you on edge or to make it through them once they arise.
In so many ways, this becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy in that you can't sleep because of your anxiety and your anxiety worsens due to your lack of sleep.
It's a vicious cycle that offers no relief in sight.
So, what can you do to prevent this cycle of anxiety and insomnia from taking hold in your life? Don't Use Stimulants You'd be surprised at what counts as stimulants these days.
You should carefully avoid products that contain caffeine, sugar, and other ingredients that are known to keep you awake.
In particular you should avoid energy drinks, energy pills, coffee, and other products that are designed to help you stay awake no matter how tired you feel in the morning.
You should especially avoid stimulants before activities that may lead to anxiety attacks or in the days preceding a stressful event.
Doing this will increase the possibility that you may be able to get a good night's sleep and wake up refreshed and prepared to deal with the stress of facing your fears or dealing with your anxiety.
Mix Up Your Bedtime Routine If all else fails make changes to what you do when preparing for bed.
Something as simple as changing the time at which you go to bed each night can have an impressive impact on your ability to sleep.
Other things you might want to try are including meditation before going to bed, practicing yoga, listening to soothing music or taking a long bath to unwind before turning in.
Fragrances like lavender also help with relaxation and can mean a world of difference in your ability to sleep at night.
Consider Sleep Medications Some people have little trouble going to sleep but are completely unable to remain asleep.
If this is your problem you may want to consider talking with your doctor about non habit forming sleep medications or even herbal remedies that will help you get the restful night's sleep you need in order to deal with your anxiety.
When it comes to anxiety and insomnia they are a powerful combination that lead to many potential problems.
By removing insomnia from the equation you are in a better situation to deal with the anxiety that you face on any given day.
The problem is that they each feed the other which only serves to make the symptoms of both anxiety and insomnia so much worse.
Being unable to get a good night's sleep will impact your ability to use reason to guide you through those moments of fear, anxiety, and/or panic.
As a result you aren't ready to face the fears that set you on edge or to make it through them once they arise.
In so many ways, this becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy in that you can't sleep because of your anxiety and your anxiety worsens due to your lack of sleep.
It's a vicious cycle that offers no relief in sight.
So, what can you do to prevent this cycle of anxiety and insomnia from taking hold in your life? Don't Use Stimulants You'd be surprised at what counts as stimulants these days.
You should carefully avoid products that contain caffeine, sugar, and other ingredients that are known to keep you awake.
In particular you should avoid energy drinks, energy pills, coffee, and other products that are designed to help you stay awake no matter how tired you feel in the morning.
You should especially avoid stimulants before activities that may lead to anxiety attacks or in the days preceding a stressful event.
Doing this will increase the possibility that you may be able to get a good night's sleep and wake up refreshed and prepared to deal with the stress of facing your fears or dealing with your anxiety.
Mix Up Your Bedtime Routine If all else fails make changes to what you do when preparing for bed.
Something as simple as changing the time at which you go to bed each night can have an impressive impact on your ability to sleep.
Other things you might want to try are including meditation before going to bed, practicing yoga, listening to soothing music or taking a long bath to unwind before turning in.
Fragrances like lavender also help with relaxation and can mean a world of difference in your ability to sleep at night.
Consider Sleep Medications Some people have little trouble going to sleep but are completely unable to remain asleep.
If this is your problem you may want to consider talking with your doctor about non habit forming sleep medications or even herbal remedies that will help you get the restful night's sleep you need in order to deal with your anxiety.
When it comes to anxiety and insomnia they are a powerful combination that lead to many potential problems.
By removing insomnia from the equation you are in a better situation to deal with the anxiety that you face on any given day.
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