What is Sleep Anxiety? Symptoms and Support

Anxiety is something that most people encounter at some point in life. Many everyday events can create a sense of anxiousness. Paying bills, getting a checkup at the dentist, enrolling a child in school, or even changing neighborhoods can cause a person to develop a low level of anxiety. Sleep anxiety is not the same. It is a fear of falling asleep.

Sleep anxiety is not a lone condition but rather a symptom of generalized anxiety disorder. However, it is specifically focused on sleep. Some individuals who suffer from this type of anxiety are concerned that something will happen to them while they are sleeping. After some time, these individuals associate going to bed with the thoughts of not getting enough rest. This can affect other areas of daily life.

When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Your comfort delights my soul. – Psalm 94:19, NASB

Symptoms of Sleep Anxiety

Anxiety is not the same condition as insomnia, but they can occur together. Both conditions revolve around bedtime and sleeping. Other symptoms that may come with sleep anxiety are:

Physical symptoms:

• Dizziness
• Restlessness
• Sweating
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Fast heartbeat
• Aches and pains
• Muscle tension
• Trembling and chills

Cognitive Symptoms:

• Nightmares
• Racing thoughts
• Worry or fear

Risk Factors

Sleep anxiety can be connected to different mental health conditions. Those who struggle with other mental health conditions are more likely to be affected by it.

Panic Disorder This condition is characterized by intense and sudden panic attacks. These panic attacks often occur at night and may even interrupt sleep.

Post-traumatic stress disorder Trauma can affect so many areas of your body. Sleep disruption is highly common for those who struggle with PTSD. Because of the fear of having nightmares, it is common with PTSD.

Sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, and narcolepsy Having another type of sleep disorder can intensify the struggle.

It can be exacerbated by other mental health conditions or sleep disorders. Getting treatment for it may include getting these other issues under control.

Effects of Sleep Anxiety

It is well known that people need rest to function in a healthy and balanced lifestyle. When a person struggles with this sort of sleep, it can create issues in other areas of life. It is vital to maintain a healthy lifestyle that incorporates a healthy sleep pattern.

Losing sleep can affect the mind, which will present problems with cognitive functions such as memory and clarity in thought processes. Lack of proper rest can create physical issues with our bodies, such as pain and a weakened immune system. This kind of sleep disorder can also be responsible for depression, which can cause or mimic insomnia.

Relief Tips for Sleep Anxiety

Getting relief can be accomplished through a variety of techniques and strategies. The first step is to talk with a physician about the struggle you are having. They will help you get started on how to alleviate the symptoms.

Another strategy is to engage in proper sleep hygiene. This is done by having regular wake-up and sleep times, not allowing digital devices in bed, and not engaging in any type of exercise two hours before bedtime.

Other ideas are to engage in quiet time and journaling. When a person takes time to reflect on the day through prayer and journaling, it can ease the tension that was created during the day.

Christian Counseling in Grapevine, Texas

Sleep anxiety is a challenging condition that will impact a person’s life. It may not be the same as general anxiety, but it still warrants getting treatment. To get more information about how to manage it, contact our office at Texas Christian Counseling, Grapevine, to meet with a professional Christian counselor in Grapevine, Texas.