Does anxiety disorder cause insomnia?

Written by Pang Ji Cheng
Psychiatry and Psychology
Updated on September 02, 2024
00:00
00:00

Patients with anxiety disorders may experience symptoms of insomnia, primarily due to high sympathetic nervous excitement and hyperfunction of skeletal muscles. Therefore, patients may exhibit high alertness, difficulties falling asleep, frequent awakenings during sleep, or inability to fall back asleep after waking up. In such cases, clinically, anti-anxiety medications with sedative and hypnotic effects, such as benzodiazepine anti-anxiety drugs, or antidepressants with sedative effects, can be effectively used. Moreover, if anxiety disorder patients can self-adjust, such as through exercise, they may also improve their sleep conditions to some extent.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
50sec home-news-image

How to treat anxiety and insomnia?

The patient is experiencing anxiety and insomnia, and the following treatment methods are recommended. Firstly, it is crucial for the patient to pay attention to psychological adjustment, maintain a pleasant mood, keep a good mindset, and communicate more with others, which can achieve very good effects. Secondly, it is essential to develop one's hobbies, engage in more outdoor sports, which can divert one's attention, significantly reduce anxiety, and also improve insomnia. Thirdly, long-term anxiety and insomnia can have adverse effects on the body. It is possible to take benzodiazepine drugs, which help with sleep and can also counteract anxiety, and should be taken under a doctor's advice. Finally, if the patient's anxiety is very pronounced, it is necessary to see a psychologist for treatment and take some anti-anxiety medication.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Pang Ji Cheng
Psychiatry and Psychology
40sec home-news-image

Does anxiety disorder cause insomnia?

Patients with anxiety disorders may experience symptoms of insomnia, primarily due to high sympathetic nervous excitement and hyperfunction of skeletal muscles. Therefore, patients may exhibit high alertness, difficulties falling asleep, frequent awakenings during sleep, or inability to fall back asleep after waking up. In such cases, clinically, anti-anxiety medications with sedative and hypnotic effects, such as benzodiazepine anti-anxiety drugs, or antidepressants with sedative effects, can be effectively used. Moreover, if anxiety disorder patients can self-adjust, such as through exercise, they may also improve their sleep conditions to some extent.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Shu Kun
Traditional Chinese Medicine
50sec home-news-image

How to deal with excessive sweating, frequent dreams, and insomnia?

In cases of excessive sweating, frequent dreams, and insomnia, there are generally two scenarios to consider. One is caused by the deficiency of both the heart and spleen. In this condition, sweating is usually more excessive, as it can intensify after activities or meals and may also be accompanied by symptoms such as irritability and insomnia. The other scenario is due to kidney yin deficiency, where insufficient yin leads to excessive yang, resulting in insomnia, many dreams, and night sweats. In this type of sweating, it is generally profuse during sleep, but stops upon waking. This may also be accompanied by symptoms such as lower back soreness and tinnitus. It is recommended to ensure adequate rest regularly, avoid excessive fatigue, and not to be under too much stress.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Hai Wen
Cardiology
46sec home-news-image

Management of poor heart condition and insomnia

If you have heart issues and are experiencing insomnia, you can consider the following adjustments: First, appropriate medication adjustments, such as under the guidance of traditional Chinese medicine, combining pulse-taking and tongue examination to determine the body's constitution, proper use of traditional Chinese herbs like sour jujube kernels, goji berries, poria, licorice, jujube, chrysanthemum, and honeysuckle to make porridge can to some extent improve sleep issues. Second, maintain good lifestyle habits, like keeping a positive mood, avoiding staying up late, developing the habit of sleeping regularly, and avoiding overeating, especially at dinner. If necessary, take Western medicine to improve sleep, such as eszopiclone, under the direction of a doctor.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Feng Ying Shuai
Traditional Chinese Medicine
1min 5sec home-news-image

Where to massage for insomnia and excessive dreaming?

Insomnia and frequent dreaming are common symptoms in the clinical setting. If the condition is not very severe, we can regulate our organ functions and alleviate the symptoms by massaging certain acupoints. Specific situations must be analyzed in detail. Here are some commonly used basic acupoints. For example, the Neiguan acupoint located above the pericardium muscle is frequently used and can reduce the incidence of insomnia and frequent dreaming. Additionally, the Shenmen and Tongli acupoints on the heart muscle can be massaged; moving upward, we can massage the deeper veins and the Zhaohai acupoint, as well as the Yinlingquan. Of course, clinically, depending on the different symptoms, we may also choose acupoints discerningly. For instance, if insomnia and frequent dreams are caused by poor digestion or an upset stomach, we can massage the Zhongwan acupoint to adjust the condition.