Experiencing nighttime anxiety can disrupt your sleep and leave you feeling restless and drained. Here are 6 proven tips that can help you achieve restful night.
Nighttime anxiety refers to the feelings of worry, stress, or fear that intensify during the evening and can impact your ability to fall asleep or stay sleep. Unlike daytime anxiety, which shows up during your daily activites and interactions, nighttime anxiety tends to surface when the day’s distractions fade and you’re left alone with your thoughts. You may experience racing thoughts, restlessness, difficulty in falling asleep, insomnia etc.
If you’re finding it challenging to quiet your mind and drift off peacefully, you’re not alone. Fortunately, there are few strategies designed to help manage anxiety and promote a restful night’s sleep.
6 Tips to Manage Nighttime Anxiety
- Create a Relaxing Bedtime Routine: Creating a consistent and a calming bedtime routine can signal to your body that it’s time to wind down and prepare for sleep. About an hour before bed, reduce exposure to bright lights and screen to signal to your body that it’s time to relax.
- Avoid Heavy Meals Before Bed: Limit the consumption of caffeinated drinks before bedtime as it can disrupt your sleep patterns. Avoid large, heavy meals, as it can affect your digestion and lead to disruption in sleep.
- Practice Journaling: Write down your thoughts and concerns before bed to help clear your mind. Journaling can help identify and address your current stressful thoughts.
- Practice Mindfulness And Deep Breathing: Mindfulness and deep breathing exercises can help calm your mind and reduce anxiety before bed.
- Deep Breathing Exercises: Try deep breathing exercises such as the 4-7-8 method: inhale for 4 seconds, hold your breath for 7 seconds, and exhale slowly for 8 seconds.
- Create a Comfortable sleep space: Ensure your bedroom is cool, dark and quiet. Consider using blackout curtains, earplugs, or a white noise machine to reduce disturbances.
If anxiety or stress is presistent and overwhelming, consider speaking with a mental health professional. Therapy, counselling or cognitive-behavioural techniques can help manage anxiety.