Why does my anxiety feel worse at night?
Many people living with anxiety notice that their worries may feel more overwhelming in the evenings, or around bedtime. Dr. Holly Betterly MD, Board-Certified Psychiatrist in Weston, FL, shares five reasons why anxiety may be keeping you up at night.
This post is provided for educational purposes only, and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have questions, always reach out to your doctor for more information.
Struggling with your mental health? Reach out for professional support. Dr. Betterly is a board-certified psychiatrist in Weston, FL dedicated to helping you overcome depression, anxiety, and OCD. She offers appointments at her office in Weston, FL, conveniently located in Weston Town Center, as well as via telehealth for patients across Florida. Request an appointment today to start your journey to better mental health.
It’s been a long day
In today’s fast-paced society, our schedules are often jam-packed from the time we wake up until the time we go to sleep. Whether you’re a college student juggling classes and extracurricular activities, a busy professional balancing meetings and a constant stream of emails, or a new mom struggling to find time to shower as you keep a tiny human alive 24/7, it’s not uncommon to feel exhausted by the end of the day. When we’re tired, our cognitive functioning can take a hit. We may notice changes in our mood, feelings of irritability, or an impaired ability to regulate our emotions.
Less distractions
After a busy day filled with constant bids for our attention, bedtime is often the first time that we really get a break from all of the noise and the bustle. For some, the silence can feel like a void that our minds are all too eager to fill in, leading our thoughts to wander to sources of stress. We may find ourselves replaying the events of the day in our heads, or worrying about what’s on the schedule for tomorrow. With no distractions to divert our attention away from our anxiety, it can be easy to slip into a worry spiral.
Falling asleep is a challenge
Many people struggle with insomnia, lying in bed for hours, yet unable to fall asleep. When sleep is hard to find, it’s not uncommon to experience anxiety related to our sleep problems. We may find ourselves tossing and turning as we worry about how long it will take us to fall asleep, how many hours of sleep we will manage to get, or whether we will be struggling with exhaustion and the effects of sleep deprivation the next day. For those dealing with mental health conditions like Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), the thought of falling asleep only to be awoken by a distressing nightmare may be an additional source of bedtime anxiety. Those who experience nighttime panic attacks may experience similar worries.
Too much caffeine
Many people enjoy a cup of coffee after dinner, or a can of soda during their favorite evening TV show. It’s important to keep in mind that caffeine consumption can trigger symptoms of anxiety, such as feelings of jitteriness, irritability, or a racing heartbeat. Consider whether there may be a pattern between your caffeine intake and your anxiety symptoms.
Your evening medications
All medications come with a risk of side effects, and sometimes, these side effects may include feelings of jitteriness, restlessness, or activation. If you’re noticing that your anxiety is worsening after taking your evening medications, ask your doctor whether this could be due to a known medication side effect. Some common medications that may cause anxiety as a side effect include stimulant medications (often used to treat ADHD), corticosteroids (often used to treat autoimmune conditions), and medications containing caffeine (such as popular over-the-counter migraine relief medications).
