Why Does my Anxiety Get Worse at Night? 4 Possible Reasons

Some people believe that anxiety levels increase at night since it is dark. That makes sense for individuals who are afraid of the dark.

When you lie down to unwind, your brain goes through all of the issues it didn’t have time for during the day.

This anxiety is frequently focused on issues that you can’t presently resolve. Worrying about them before you fall asleep only makes it harder to sleep.

Is it normal to get anxious before bed?

It is quite common to experience anxiety before bed. In fact, many people who suffer from anxiety disorders find that their symptoms are worse at night.

There are a number of reasons why this may be the case.

First, it is often easier to worry about things when you are not distracted by the bustle of daily life.
Second, anxiety can be triggered by changes in your daily routine, such as going to bed at a different time than usual.
Third, anxiety disorders are often characterized by intrusive and unwanted thoughts or images (called “intrusive thoughts”), which can be more difficult to control at night.
Fourth, the physical symptoms of anxiety, such as racing heart and difficulty breathing, can be more pronounced when you are lying down.

Read also: Why Do I Feel Broken

Why does my anxiety get worse at night?

There are a number of reasons why your anxiety may seem to get worse at night.

You may be more aware of your surroundings at night

If you’re trying to sleep, you may be more aware of any noise or movement around you. This can make it harder to relax and may cause you to feel on edge.

Anxiety can also be exacerbated by tiredness.

When we’re tired, we’re more likely to be irritable and our thoughts may race. This can make it difficult to switch off at night and can lead to a feeling of anxiety.

It may be harder to distract yourself from anxious thoughts at night

It’s common for people with anxiety to have more trouble sleeping at night. When you’re lying in bed, you may have more time to focus on your anxious thoughts and worry about things that are bothering you.

This can make your anxiety seem worse at night.

If you’re having trouble sleeping, there are a few things you can do to help yourself relax.

Try reading a book or listening to calming music before bed. You can also try some relaxation exercises, such as deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation.

There may be medical reasons for your increased anxiety

If you’re taking medication for anxiety, it is possible that the dosage needs to be adjusted. It’s also possible that you may have developed a tolerance to the medication.

Certain medical conditions can also cause increased anxiety at night, such as:

Thyroid problems
Caffeine sensitivity
Depression

If you’re concerned about your increased anxiety levels, it’s important to talk to your doctor. They will be able to rule out any medical causes and help you find the best treatment for your anxiety.

You may have less to do during the day, which can give you more time to focus on anxiety-provoking topics.

It’s also worth noting that some people may experience increased anxiety at night because they have less to do during the day.

This can give them more time to focus on their anxious thoughts and worry about things that are bothering them. If this is the case, it may be helpful to find ways to occupy your time during the day.

This can include things like taking up a new hobby, exercising, or spending time with friends and family.

How can I calm my anxiety at night?

If you’re struggling with anxiety at night, there are a few things you can do to help yourself relax.

Try reading a book or listening to calming music before bed

Reading can help to distract your mind from anxious thoughts and allow you to relax.

It’s important to choose a book that is not too stimulating, however, as you don’t want to make it harder to fall asleep. Another option is to listen to calming music before bed.

This can help to soothe your mind and body and provide a sense of peace as you drift off to sleep.

There are many different types of calming music available so that you can experiment until you find something that works for you.

You can also try some relaxation exercises

There are a number of relaxation exercises that can help to ease anxiety and promote better sleep. One simple exercise is to focus on your breath.

Breathe in slowly and deeply through your nose, counting to four as you do so.

Then exhale slowly through your mouth, again counting to four. Repeat this for several minutes, focusing only on your breath. You may also find it helpful to visualize a calm and relaxing place.

Picturing yourself in a peaceful natural setting can help to ease anxiety and promote feelings of calm and well-being.

The takeaway

Anxiety is a normal emotion that everyone experiences at one point or another. For some people, however, anxiety can be a chronic condition that interferes with daily life.

Many people with anxiety find that their symptoms get worse at night. This may be due to the fact that there are fewer distractions at night and more time to focus on worries.

It can also be harder to relax and get a good night’s sleep when you’re feeling anxious.

By taking these steps, people with anxiety can help to improve their symptoms and get a better night’s sleep.