Anxiety Could be a Barrier to Your Sleep and Energy

For some people, treating anxiety–ranging from mild to clinical disorder–is an important step so you can get the full benefits of RISE.

Anxiety disorders are very common, affecting nearly 20% of American adults annually and more commonly females than males. Despite being very treatable, in the United States, 3 out of every 5 people suffering from anxiety are untreated.

Anxiety is one of the primary contributors to sleep loss.

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Receive 15% off your 1st month through Rise.

Anxiety

Distinct from worry, fear, and stress, anxiety is “the anticipation of future threat.” The American Psychological Association (APA) further spells it out as “an emotion characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts and physical changes like increased blood pressure.” And whereas stress is a short-term response, anxiety lingers, and is triggered by physical stress response.

Common Forms:

Unchecked and unmanageable anxiety that persists for 6 months categorizes as disorders, of which there are many forms. Some of the most common include:

• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD): GAD involves constant, excessive worry that affects your day-to-day functioning. Triggers can be anything from work demands to household chores.
• Panic disorder: It features a series of panic attacks, in which the physical and psychological sensations are so overwhelming you think you're having a heart attack or something similar. Panic attacks that occur during the night are known as nocturnal panic attacks.
• Social anxiety disorder: You feel uncomfortable, anxious, or distressed during social interactions. You assume people are watching and/or judging you, making it difficult for you to socialize.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) are two anxiety-related disorders.

Many people who are not clinically diagnosed with formal anxiety disorders still feel its effect, especially on their sleep.

Anxiety Symptoms

Racing heart, sweating, and tension are common anxiety symptoms, but many others exist.

• Breathlessness or rapid breathing
• Feelings of nervousness, fear, agitation, and worry
• A sense of hyperawareness
• Restlessness or difficulty concentrating
• Trouble sleeping

More serious cases of anxiety might result in:

• Chest pain or pressure
• Dizziness or feeling faint
• Tingling or numbness in the arms and legs
  

If you’re experiencing anxiety, you could have one or all of these symptoms. Keep in mind that other mental health conditions can present similar symptoms. Qualified mental health professionals can make a diagnosis - reach out to a therapist, counselor, or other doctor for help.

Anxiety Consequences

A wide range of acute and chronic consequences stem from anxiety. In the realm of sleep these include:

• Rumination: being trapped in a cycle of repetitive, worried thoughts, which increases the amount of time it takes to fall asleep
• Hormones and neurotransmitters: specifically norepinephrine, dopamine, and melatonin, which regulate sleep-wake cycles
• High sleep reactivity: the degree to which stress exposure disrupts sleep

Ultimately, anxiety directly contributes to high sleep debt and circadian disruption.

Work with a Professional From the Comfort of Your Own Home

You may be one of tens millions of people suffering from anxiety.

If you’ve tried, but been unsuccessful with self-management techniques, it may be time to talk to a professional.

Online counseling platforms allow you to access care with a licensed professional through chat, phone call, or video chat to get to the root cause of your anxiety, and begin managing it.

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DISCLOSURE: As an affiliate, we may receive compensation if you purchase products or services through the links provided.

‍Receive 15% off your 1st month through Rise.

Know someone who might benefit from help managing anxiety? Send them this article so they can learn more and take action - anyone can schedule a consultation

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If you are experiencing a mental health emergency please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.