{"id":2072,"date":"2021-08-17T06:36:19","date_gmt":"2021-08-17T06:36:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bedguard.com.au\/?p=2072"},"modified":"2021-08-17T06:40:11","modified_gmt":"2021-08-17T06:40:11","slug":"anxiety-and-sleep","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bedguard.com.au\/backup\/anxiety-and-sleep\/","title":{"rendered":"Anxiety and sleep"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you\u2019ve been feeling anxious, chances are your sleep is also suffering. Find out how anxiety impacts sleep and what you can do.<\/p>\n

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Anxiety and anxiety disorders<\/h2>\n

Anxiety is your body\u2019s natural response to stress<\/a>, which includes fear or apprehension. However, if feelings of anxiety are extreme, are with you all the time, last more than six months or interfere with your quality of life, then it may be classified as an anxiety disorder.<\/p>\n

Anxiety disorders are very common with around 26% of Australians experiencing an anxiety condition in their lifetime.[i]<\/a> As a result of the worldwide coronavirus pandemic<\/a> and subsequent lockdowns across the country, levels of anxiety have increased considerably, affecting people of all ages.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s the connection between anxiety and sleep?<\/h2>\n

The relationship between anxiety and sleep is complex. People with anxiety disorders are more likely to experience serious sleep disorders such as insomnia<\/a>. They are also more likely to experience problems sleeping during times of stress.<\/p>\n

Anxiety can make it difficult to fall asleep or to follow healthy sleep schedules and routines<\/a>. Having difficulty falling asleep can also end up being a source of anxiety, with people often lying awake worrying about not being able to get to sleep.<\/p>\n

Even if you are able to fall asleep, you might still wake up in the middle of the night feeling anxious, or for seemingly no reason at all, and then find it difficult to get back to sleep. It\u2019s also very common for people with anxiety to experience bad dreams and nightmares<\/a>. All these interruptions reduce both quality and quantity<\/a> of sleep.<\/p>\n

What should you do?<\/h2>\n

While anxiety disorders can significantly impact your life, they are one of the most treatable mental health<\/a> disorders. The most important thing is to speak to your doctor about your anxiety. They will be able to provide the right treatment for you (which may include medication) and refer you to a qualified therapist who can help you overcome your anxiety symptoms, and help you feel better.<\/p>\n

Tips to reduce anxiety for a better night\u2019s sleep<\/h2>\n

All of us feel anxious from time to time. Whether you have an anxiety disorder or are worrying about a particular situation, the following tips may help.<\/p>\n