Sleep anxiety: latest research & effective treatments

Many people experience occasional insomnia or difficulty sleeping, but for people with this disorder, the symptoms are chronic and persistent. The most common are insomnia, stress, depression, pain or medical conditions. Sleep anxiety is a problem that can affect people of all ages and is often associated with other mental disorders such as depression and general anxiety disorder.

Sleep anxiety is the fear of not being able to fall asleep, or of waking up too early. Someone with sleep anxiety for example, may worry excessively about the consequences of not getting enough sleep.

Sleep deprivation and anxiety are closely linked. The brain tries to rest when we sleep, but in anxiety, the brain is constantly searching for threats and danger. To sleep well, people with anxiety need to feel safe and not stress about their fears.

Anxiety is one of the most prevalent mental health conditions, with an estimated 40 million adults in the U.S. suffering from it each year. Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental illness. The two main types are generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

The latest anxiety treatment research shows that cognitive behaviour therapy is more effective than medication, with GAD patients receiving up to 50% improvement in symptoms after 16 sessions of CBT compared to 22% after drug treatment. The two other forms of treatments are pharmacotherapy and psychodynamic therapy which both have their benefits and drawbacks.

The treatments for specifically for sleep anxiety can be divided into three categories: behavioral treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy, medication and psychotherapy along with other complementary therapies. The best option for you depends on your symptoms and the severity of your condition and what kind of treatment would best suit your individual needs.

Sleep professionals recommend cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which includes exposure therapy to gradually face your fears in a safe environment. Many other treatments can also help to reduce sleep anxiety including melatonin supplements, sleep massage therapy, herbal remedies, and prescription medications such as benzodiazepines.