Sleepless Nights: Understanding Insomnia and the Anxious Mind

When we experience sleepless nights, it can affect more than just our physical well-being. It makes us tired and irritable. Eventually coffee can’t even save us. But it can also take a toll on our mental well-being, leading to anxiety and stress. This often leads to a cycle of our minds not becoming anxious because we can’t sleep but then not being able to sleep because our minds are anxious.

If you thought for one moment “Then how can anyone ever break the cycle?” you’re not alone. Sleep problems in Roswell, GA, along with other parts of the country are very common. It affects individuals who are overwhelmed with stress, anxiety, or depression leaving them feeling drained emotionally but also mentally as they can’t seem to find the energy or motivation to do anything. In this blog, we are going to talk about the relationship between insomnia and anxiety and how it can be managed with therapies such as sleep therapy in Roswell, GA, anxiety counseling in Alpharetta, GA, or tips for self-care.

What is Insomnia?

Insomnia is a sleep disorder in which our minds have trouble fully powering down, making it difficult to settle or stay asleep. This can be a side effect of medication, lifestyle choices, trauma, and/or anxiety. Or, you simply have a hard time winding down and find your mind constantly spinning with worries. At times, insomnia can feel as if you know you should be asleep or even want to be asleep but your body just won’t let you.

There Are Two Types of Insomnia, Acute and Chronic.

Acute, or short-term, insomnia is when you only experience it for a few days or weeks. This can be caused by sudden changes in your environment, stress from work, or a big event like an exam or presentation, jet lag, etc. It may be challenging for you to manage but usually, after the event or change passes, so will the insomnia.

However, Chronic, or long-term, Insomnia can last up to a month or even longer. This can be due to medication side effects if you are taking something to help with a medical condition, or if you struggle with anxiety, depression, or mood swings. This is when you may need support as insomnia can be a challenge to navigate when you’re in a vicious cycle.

Primary and Secondary Insomnia

When it comes to insomnia, there are two types we can experience; Primary or Secondary. Primary insomnia is when there is no underlying cause of the insomnia and it is not related to any other health problems. Sometimes, insomnia develops organically due to our environment, lifestyle, or genetics.

Now, Secondary insomnia is when you have an underlying condition such as anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, etc. that has caused the insomnia. This can be a more difficult sleep problem to treat. This is due to both the disorder and the insomnia are needing to be managed, which can take time. But also a lot of patience.

The Relationship Between Insomnia and Anxiety

Anxiety and insomnia have this complex relationship where both can develop independently but then develop into each other. At times, anxiety can start first and it makes it hard for us to fall asleep. We spend the night worrying about what we said and did that day, what is going to happen tomorrow, or how we are coming across in a certain situation. This then causes our anxiety levels to increase not allowing us to sleep for longer periods of time leading to insomnia.

The other scenario is that we start off with insomnia and since our mind is not getting the sleep that it needs, it becomes anxious. It feels as if our mind is constantly on and thinking through what challenges we are facing, decisions we need to make, etc. This then leads to increased stress levels and anxiety as our brains can’t rest or feel a sense of peace. It keeps the cycle of not sleeping and feeling anxious going.

However, Both Are Just as Challenging

When it comes to managing insomnia or anxiety, each can be just as difficult. Insomnia can be challenging as we become tired and so frustrated that trying to do anything can feel like an inconvenience. It can especially be frustrating when nothing seems to help from, yoga, coffee, meditation, etc. In contrast, anxiety keeps us on edge to where sleeping can be scary or feel uncomfortable.

Both of these conditions can make you struggle through the day and feel as if you don’t have the energy or motivation to do anything. They both can make you feel limited and that you have to pick and choose what to do as you don’t have the energy or focus to do them all. There are ways to end this cycle, and that is to seek support.

How Insomnia Happens in an Anxious Mind

When you’re immensely overwhelmed and stressed out, your quality of sleep is going to suffer. Your body is carrying all the stress and your mind is carrying all the feelings about what’s going on, which can lead to restlessness and unable to fall asleep. When we become overwhelmed with thoughts, our minds will race without us being able to control it. This leaves our brains to work in literal sleep mode and not fully rest.

It’s important to remember that often times our minds and bodies become so used to the feeling of anxiety, worry, or stress that it becomes a normal feeling. We become so used to being unable to sleep that it becomes common, making it hard to break this cycle. However, this anxiety-induced insomnia takes a toll on our mental health and overall well-being. It doesn’t allow our brains to think as clearly or our bodies to rest and reset. Which then can lead to dysregulation of moods and behaviors.

Strategies and Treatment Options for Managing Insomnia and Anxiety-Induced Insomnia

Every strategy and treatment will vary from person to person and that is why you should seek support such as sleep therapy in Roswell, GA, or anxiety counseling in Alpharetta, GA. These types of therapies can help you address both aspects of insomnia and anxiety as they both have to be managed. Other strategies to consider are:

Make Healthy Lifestyle Adjustments

You have probably heard that watching tv or being on your phone right before going to sleep is not a great sleep practice. It’s true! Making a few changes such as setting an earlier bedtime, creating a calming nighttime routine, or exercising can help you relax and improve your sleep. Taking time to wind down before bed and calming down your anxious mind can help you sleep better.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I)

CBT-I has proven to be effective for those struggling with insomnia. This type of therapy focuses on the thoughts and beliefs we have about sleep, our environment, and how to create better sleeping habits. This type of therapy can help you understand the relationship between your thoughts and behaviors which then will help you meet your sleep goals. Plus, you will have the support of a therapist to help you with your journey.

Take Time for Self-Care

A part of this cycle is not taking the time to reduce the stress, overwhelm, and anxiety that is causing or being caused by insomnia. So, it is important to take time for yourself and do activities that bring you joy and relaxation. This could be taking a bubble bath, reading your favorite book, listening to a podcast, or taking a walk. All of these activities help us relax and reduce the anxiety we may have, even if it is just for 10 minutes. Letting the stress dissolve, even just a little bit, can help with insomnia.

Seek Support For Your Sleep Problems in Roswell, GA

If you are struggling with insomnia or anxious-induced insomnia, it is important to seek help from someone who can help you. Not only to figure out the root cause but also how to manage it in the long term. Working with an expert who specializes in sleep therapy in Roswell, GA, or even a therapist who provides anxiety counseling in Alpharetta, GA can help you have peace of mind and better sleep.

These anxiety and sleep therapists know that the cycle between anxiety and insomnia is complex and a challenge to navigate. They will work with you to provide the individualized care that is necessary to break this cycle and get back on track for better sleep and improved mental health. This way you can get back to feeling more energetic and be present.

Interested in Sleep Therapy in Roswell, GA, Alpharetta, GA, or Milton, GA?

You don’t have to figure out a solution to your sleep problems all by yourself. Speak with one of our sleep therapists in Roswell, Alpharetta, or Milton for personalized and effective help to break the cycle of insomnia. Your mind needs and break, and our team of therapists at Wellview Counseling understands how to help you make this happen. If you’re interested in starting therapy:

• Contact Wellview Counseling
• Meet with Our Therapists

Start Your Journey to Better Sleep Today!

Other Therapy Services Offered at Wellview Counseling

Our therapists at Wellview Counseling understand that you or your loved ones may need more specific services than Sleep Therapy to address the root cause of your insomnia. This is why our therapists offer a variety of services to ensure each individual gets the best care suited to their needs. We offer child counseling, teen counseling, family counseling, postpartum depression and anxiety counseling, trauma and PTSD treatment, therapy for those with a chronic illness, and more. Regardless of the challenge you face, our therapists are here to help. Our office is in Roswell, GA, but we also offer online therapy to anyone in Georgia. If you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment please feel welcome to reach out to us!

About the Author

Meet Ashley Bobo, MSW, LCSW, a compassionate and experienced therapist dedicated to supporting individuals and families in overcoming life’s obstacles, particularly anxiety-related challenges. With over 20 years of experience, Ashley specializes in providing expert guidance for managing stress, anxiety, and depression, and fostering healthier relationships. At Wellview Counseling, Ashley collaborates closely with a team of therapists who are well-versed in addressing sleep problems, including anxiety-induced insomnia. Recognizing the profound impact of sleep on mental well-being, Ashley and her colleagues offer comprehensive approaches tailored to meet each individual’s unique needs. With their compassionate care and expertise, they can help individuals find relief from anxiety, improve sleep quality, and enhance overall well-being. To learn more about Ashley and the Wellview Counseling team, please visit their website.