Understanding the Link Between Anxiety and Sleep Disorders

Mental health and sleep are deeply connected, and because anxiety can make it difficult to fall or stay asleep, it fuels feelings of stress, worry, and restlessness. Over time, this cycle can impact everything from daily functioning to relationships. Understanding how anxiety and sleep disorders interact is the first step toward breaking the cycle and finding relief.

How Anxiety Affects Sleep

Anxiety is an ongoing state of unease that can interfere with daily life. When your anxiety levels rise at night, your body stays in “fight-or-flight” mode. Sleeping with anxiety disorder often means dealing with muscle tension, racing thoughts, or a pounding heart–all of which can make it difficult to relax enough to drift off.

Even if sleep does eventually come, anxiety may cause you to frequently wake during the night. This means lighter, less restorative sleep, leaving you exhausted the following morning before the day has even gotten started. For adults and adolescents alike, anxiety-related insomnia can quickly become overwhelming.

Recognizing Sleep Anxiety Disorder Symptoms

Anxiety and sleep disorders don’t always go hand-in-hand; one can happen without the other, and occasional anxiety and trouble sleeping are common.

Persistent patterns and symptoms that may indicate you have a sleep anxiety disorder include:

• Waking up frequently during the night
• Nightmares or night sweats
• Difficulty falling asleep due to racing thoughts
• Feeling unrested despite spending enough time in bed
• Increased anxiety or irritability during the day

For adolescents, signs may include mood changes, avoiding activities that were once enjoyed, and declining academic performance. Recognizing these symptoms and seeking treatment can prevent anxiety and sleep issues from becoming deeply ingrained.

Treatment Options for Anxiety and Sleep Disorders

Here at SD Wellness Group, we take a holistic approach to address both the mind and body. Depending on your specific needs, treatment may include:

Therapy and Counseling

Talk therapies can help build coping strategies and reduce anxious thought patterns.

Medication Management

Drugs used for treating anxiety and sleeping disorders may be part of your larger treatment plan, especially if you’re dealing with severe symptoms.

NeuroStar® TMS

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is an FDA-cleared treatment option primarily used to relieve symptoms of depression. That said, as it helps regulate mood, TMS may also be an effective treatment method for other types of mental health conditions, including anxiety. Less anxiety could mean better sleep.

Ketamine

IV ketamine infusions and SPRAVATO® (esketamine) nasal spray are two innovative therapies that may also help relieve the symptoms of anxiety. Ketamine and esketamine therapies are carefully administered under our medical supervision, and typically require a series of treatments.

When to Seek Professional Help

If anxiety and poor sleep are interfering with your ability to function, it may be time to reach out for professional care. This is especially important if:

• Symptoms have lasted longer than a few weeks
• You’re experiencing co-occurring challenges, such as substance use
• Daily life, work, or school is being affected
• You’ve tried managing sleep and anxiety on your own without success

At our mental health clinic, we understand how urgent these struggles can feel. Unlike many other Southern California facilities with long wait times, we’re able to schedule most people within the same week or the next. We also work with most insurance providers, helping make care even more accessible.

Rest Easy

Living with anxiety and sleep disorders can feel isolating, but you don’t have to face it alone. With our compassionate, evidence-based treatments and timely access to quality care, restful nights and calmer days are within reach. Connect with our licensed clinicians to take the next step toward healing.