Does anxiety disorder cause insomnia?

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

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What should I do if I have a rapid heartbeat and insomnia?

Experiencing a rapid heart rate can cause panic, restlessness, and severely affect sleep. After an electrocardiogram examination, if the rapid heart rate is not caused by organic heart disease, medications to control the heart rate can be used under a doctor’s guidance, or choose sedative and calming traditional Chinese medicines or Western medicines to stabilize the nerves, slow the heart rate, and promote sleep. If the rapid heart rate is due to organic heart disease, treatment of the underlying disease is necessary under a doctor's guidance, along with the use of medications to control the heart rate, to ensure the quality of sleep.

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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.

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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.

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Written by Liu Shi Xiang
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How to treat insomnia caused by excessive brain excitement?

If the issue is short-term brain excitement and insomnia, treatment should involve interventions in lifestyle and adjustments in sleeping habits. Firstly, the patient needs to establish a regular routine, going to bed and getting up at fixed times. Secondly, before bedtime, it is advisable to avoid consuming stimulant drinks like strong tea, coffee, alcohol, and also to refrain from engaging in excessive physical activities within two hours before sleep. If the condition of brain excitement and insomnia persists for an extended period, it might be necessary to use sedative-hypnotic medications to alleviate symptoms. Commonly used sedative-hypnotic drugs in clinical settings include zopiclone, eszopiclone, estazolam, melatonin, among others. Through these treatments, symptoms of insomnia in most patients can be improved. If the symptoms continue unabated, it may be necessary to consider whether the patient might also be suffering from anxiety or depressive disorders affecting their sleep. In such cases, an evaluation with the Hamilton Anxiety and Depression Scale can be conducted to determine. If such conditions are present, treatment with anti-anxiety and anti-depression medications, such as citalopram, may be administered.

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What should I do about insomnia and frequent dreams? What are the methods to treat insomnia and frequent dreams?

The methods for treating insomnia and frequent dreaming mainly include the following: Firstly, patients should try adjusting their lifestyle and diet to treat insomnia and frequent dreaming. For instance, patients can drink a small amount of milk, honey water, or herbal tea before bed. They can also listen to some slow rhythm light music before sleeping, which helps to relax nerves and muscles, promoting sleep. Patients can also soak their feet in hot water and massage their temples before bed. These physical treatments can also help improve sleep. Most patients generally see an improvement in their insomnia and dreaming after adjusting their diet and lifestyle. If these adjustments still leave the patient suffering from insomnia and frequent dreaming, they can use a small amount of sedative and sleep-inducing medications to improve sleep. Common drugs include zopiclone, eszopiclone, and zolpidem. Furthermore, psychotherapy can also help to some extent in improving the situation of insomnia and frequent dreaming.