Anxiety-Related Sleep Disorders: How Depression Affects Sleep

Worrywarts and pessimists are particularly prone to anxiety-related sleep disorders. Though physically exhausted and looking forward to a restful slumber, they cant seem to get the much needed shut-eye due to feelings of anxiety.

Feelings of apprehension and fear suffered during the day are carried over when it is time to go to bed. The constant barrage of negative thoughts causes bouts of depression. Though some deny that they are depressed, too much worrying contributes to sleepless nights. This shatters the claim that the major side effect of depression is a constant feeling of tiredness and sleepiness. On the contrary, people who manifest anxiety-related symptoms experience difficulty in sleeping.

Another anxiety-related sleep disorder that can be quite frightening is waking up from panic attacks. As defined in the Merriam Webster dictionary, "this anxiety disorder is characterized by recurrent unexpected attacks of panic accompanied by bodily or cognitive symptoms (as shaking, shortness of breath, or feelings of unreality)." Being roused from sleep due to a medical condition can be dangerous if coupled with a panic attack. This can further aggravate the patients condition and can even be fatal.

Panic attacks can also present a potential danger to those experiencing manic-depressive illness or bipolar disorder. Sufferers of this illness may feel that they can get by with just a little amount of sleep. They feel that they dont need to sleep yet when panic sets in, they begin to worry why they cant seem to sleep. It does become a self-inflicted, anxiety-related sleep problem.

Diagnosis and treatment for anxiety-related sleep disorders are not to be taken lightly. It is a complex process because there are medical conditions (Alzheimers disease, Alcoholism, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, etc.) that can cause this disorder. Patients suffering from AIDS or are HIV positive are also prone to anxiety attacks.

Aside from medical conditions, there are also other factors that can cause anxiety-related disorders. Some OCDs (over the counter drugs), substance abuse or even post traumatic stress disorders may show manifestations of this sleep disorder. Medications cannot easily be given before all possibilities are considered and then later ruled out to determine the actual source of the anxiety. A thorough evaluation should be made prior to making any recommendations.

Medications may either help in the patients recovery or may be harmful and cause further damage. Physicians and psychiatrists are trained to determine the true state of a patients condition. Once the correct diagnosis is made, the appropriate treatment or therapy can then be recommended whether it be for counseling or some form of medication.

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