Expert

What is Sleep anxiety (somniphobia) and how it can quietly harm your mental health and daily life. Read ahead to know about the signs, expert advice, and how to break the cycle.

Over time, this cycle can seriously impact your quality of life. A study published in Frontiers in Neurology found that anxiety and depression are tightly linked with poor sleep. People with both conditions had much worse sleep quality and more severe insomnia. The study also showed that treating anxiety and depression can improve sleep, and vice versa. 

Dr Talwar emphasises, "Sleep anxiety isn't a symptom. It can be a primary cause of poor mental health. The good news is, with the right support, people can get out of this loop."

She suggests:

• Good sleep hygiene: Maintain a consistent bedtime and wake-up time
• Make the bedroom peaceful and cosy
• Restrict caffeine, alcohol, and screen use at night

"Small changes can make a big difference," Dr Talwar says. "But if sleep anxiety is dominating your life, don't be afraid to seek professional help." It is discovered that the quality of sleep improved dramatically, and that it brought significant improvements in mental health, such as depression and anxiety. Greater improvements in sleep quality led to greater improvements in mental health.

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Sleep anxiety exists, and it can really get to your head and body. It's not simply fear of the dark. It's a vicious cycle that can ruin your entire day. But with understanding, the proper strategies, and in some cases professional assistance, it is possible to take back your nights and your health.