When you’re suffering from anxiety, it can be hard to get to sleep. But without the restorative benefits of quality sleep, anxiety can get even worse.
You aren’t alone. Sleep disorders are very common. For instance, among college-aged students, more than 60 percent suffer from poor sleep quality.
The good news is that your sleep quality can be improved. Poor sleep quality can be seen as an opportunity, not a problem. You can unlock your potential for better sleep.
If you’re able to improve your sleep quality, that’s a positive step toward healing your anxiety as well. Many of the other habits that lead to good sleep can help with anxiety as well, like regular exercise, avoiding coffee and alcohol, establishing a daily routine, and practicing mindfulness through prayer or meditation.
Some of the things that prevent us from sleeping aren’t in our head. Noise pollution is a major public health issue, thought to be a leading cause of elevated blood pressure and heart attacks. Blue light from bright screens suppresses melatonin, a hormone that influences circadian rhythms. In other words, this type of light tricks our bodies into thinking it’s daylight. New research suggests that we should avoid looking at screens for 2-3 hours before bedtime.
The culprit of your poor sleep could also be as simple as your mattress and pillows. If you find yourself experiencing pain or discomfort as you try to sleep, or when you wake up, consider making changes to your sleep set-up.
For more information about the connection between anxiety and sleep, and for tips on how people with anxiety can sleep better, read this new sleep guide for people with anxiety.
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