According to the American Psychological Association (APA), "[a]nxiety is an emotion characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts and physical changes like increased blood pressure."
Anxiety can be triggered by a number of situations. For instance, with the revealing of reopening plans as COVID-19 vaccinations have increased, an increase in anxiety related to a "return to normal" is being experienced. Anxiety can be experienced during major life events, such as when preparing for a wedding, or during seemingly ordinary life events, such as needing to wake up early for work so as not to be late for it.
While a certain amount of anxiety is normal, the APA states that "[p]eople with anxiety disorders usually have recurring intrusive thoughts or concerns. They may avoid certain situations out of worry."
Here's the thing: regardless of whether your anxiety is chronic or acute, a relationship does exist between greater anxiety levels and sleep. Basically, the greater is your anxiety, the greater is the risk of sleep deprivation. Insomnia and anxiety are related.
Anxiety and Poor Sleep is a Two-Way Street
However, while poor sleep can be caused by anxiety, did you know that the relationship works the other way around, too? In other words, poor sleep can increase your risk of developing anxiety, including anxiety attacks.
We now know that mental health and sleep relate to each other as a two-way street. In fact, if you are not able to manage your sleep, you could find yourself in a vicious circle of increased sleep loss and anxiety.
Good News: You Can Break the Cycle
While I always advocate that you speak with a mental health professional regarding anxiety, I can educate you on what can be done to improve your sleep. Essentially, you need to know, have, or do the following:
- Sleep IQ: we believe that knowledge is power and that knowing about sleep places you in a position of awareness that can help you make wiser decisions about your sleep
- Pro-Sleep Activities: we believe that you need to know what your lifestyle decisions mean for you in terms of sleep
- Circadian Harmony: we believe that you can learn to plan and align your day to go with the ebbs and flows of your energy cycle
These are lifestyle-oriented approaches that empower you to make the adjustments needed to transform your sleep and to reap its benefits on your health and well-being. With our coaching, you can transform your sleep.
To learn more, sign up for a Sleep Fit Consultation:
...BUT how about on the anxiety side?
A few months ago, I had the opportunity to speak with Menaka Rao, a self-love coach, who has had to overcome her own anxiety and who now coaches and educates others on practical techniques that can support them in managing their anxiety. She has found relaxation techniques to be helpful, particularly breathing techniques. I actually recorded a webinar on some of these techniques with her. Watch it here! https://thechicway.com/how-to-calm-anxiety-a-5-step-framework/
Do you have questions about sleep? Send us a message with your questions. We'd love to know, so that we can answer them for you.
Until the next blog post, we wish you a good night's rest. Sleep Well.