Sleep disorders
Insomnia, anxiety and mood
The most widespread misconception is that the anxiety has to be resolved first. The evidence says the opposite: treating sleep directly improves both.
What it is
The relationship runs both ways. Anxiety makes sleep harder, but poor sleep also increases vulnerability to anxiety and worsens mood the next day.
For decades insomnia was treated as a «secondary» symptom. Today it is considered comorbid and treated alongside, not second.
Early morning awakening — waking well before your time and not getting back to sleep — is the pattern most closely linked to depressive symptoms.
How it shows up
- Thoughts that intensify the moment the light goes off
- Physical tension and a sense of alertness in bed
- Early final awakening with worry
- Mood at its worst in the morning hours
- Avoiding activities because of fatigue, which in turn worsens mood
How it is treated
- 01
CBT-I as the primary intervention for sleep, independently of how anxiety or mood is progressing.
- 02
A structured worry time earlier in the day, so the evening is not the only window for processing.
- 03
Arousal-reduction techniques and work on ruminative thinking.
- 04
Collaboration with the treating physician where medication is already in place.
Let's find out whether this is what is happening to you.