Why Do I Wake Up in the Middle of the Night With Anxiety?
Understanding night time anxiety and sudden awakenings
Waking during the night with anxiety can be particularly distressing because the mind may immediately begin searching for an explanation.
Stress, anxiety, sleep disruption, nightmares, environmental factors and physical conditions can all contribute to night time awakenings.
Once awake, worrying about not getting back to sleep can increase alertness and make returning to sleep harder.
It can help to avoid turning the awakening into an emergency. Gentle breathing, reduced stimulation and avoiding clock-watching may help some people settle.
If night time anxiety is frequent or accompanied by significant physical symptoms, sleep disruption or other concerns, professional assessment can help identify possible causes.