Sleep anxiety is a feeling of fear or stress about falling asleep. People with it may have an apprehension about going to bed and in severe cases develop a sleep phobia called somniphobia.
Many people with anxiety also have sleep anxiety due to the levels of stress hormones which build up due to their anxiety making difficult to sleep and get enough rest. The lack of sleep can then exasperate anxiety throughout the day.
Symptoms of sleep anxiety are similar to anxiety:
- A persistent sense of worry or apprehension
- Restlessness
- Feeling fearful
- Fast heart rate
- Sweating
- Tense muscles
Nocturnal panic attacks occur when there are sudden intense bursts of extreme anxiety.
People with sleep anxiety may also see dangers with sleeping such as night terrors, nightmares, think that something bad is going to happen whilst they sleep, feeling vulnerable and/or they may die. This causes the body to fill with adrenaline to get the body ready for fight or flight but stops sleep.
Helping People with Sleep Anxiety
If it is very severe they may be best speaking to their medical practitioner to see if medication can be of benefit.
Otherwise, it’s helping people to manage their fears and negative associations with sleep, to create good sleep hygiene practices and developing healthy coping strategies to allow the body and mind to relax.
Weighted blankets have been helpful with people with anxiety to help them self-soothe and relax.