Insomnia is a disorder that affects the quality of your sleep. When you have this condition, you either have difficulty falling asleep, or you can’t sleep much.
Here’s the thing, you can develop insomnia as a standalone condition, referred to as Primary Insomnia, or it can be connected to another health issue, also known as Secondary Insomnia.
Figuring out which type of insomnia you have is key to getting the help you need. In this case, you have anxiety-induced insomnia.
How do you deal with this sleep disorder when its cause is anxiety?
Treat The Underlying Problem
The solution to insomnia brought about by anxiety is addressing the root cause.
Remember that a lot of times, mental health issues are responsible for disrupting sleep. In fact, approximately half of insomnia cases are tied to anxiety and depression.
If you have anxiety, your body is naturally responding to stressors in your life. The best you can do is get a proper diagnosis and start treatment.
Here are five best ways to treat anxiety and reclaim your quality sleep:
Use Medications
Usually, natural treatment options are encouraged for anxiety. Also, if you want, you can use these alongside common medication for best results, especially if your case is severe.
It’s common for doctors to prescribe drugs like antidepressants and sedatives for treating anxiety.
However, modern medicine is not the only medication when it comes to anxiety treatment.
If you prefer herbal preparations, try out teas like chamomile. According to research, chamomile can reduce the level of a stress hormone known as cortisol.
Treat with Cannabis
Another organic option you can look into is Cannabis. Studies show that the cannabinoids present in the plant — particularly CBD and THC — can lower anxiety levels.
However, THC is a strong stimulant in high doses, which is counteractive since you also want to beat insomnia.
THC is the substance in weed that gets a person high. So you should probably avoid Cannabis Sativa strains and go with Indica. Generally, strains of Cannabis Indica have low THC content and mainly produce a relaxing feeling.
Our advice? Look for more info on the difference between Sativa and Indica strains of Cannabis if you intend to use Cannabis to treat anxiety.
Try Meditating
The human body is capable of really interesting things like self-healing, if you let it, and meditation is one of the things that can help bring you to a healthy and balanced mental state.
If you’re not very familiar with the practice, it involves using special techniques to help you train your mind to shut stuff out and focus on the present.
The practice has been around since at least 3,000 BC and has proven to have many health benefits as it unlocks your body’s potential for healing and development.
Meditation has also shown positive results in relieving anxiety, depression, chronic pain, among other conditions.
Seek Therapy
One of the most successful ways of treating anxiety today is through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). This form of therapy is medically approved for the treatment of anxiety disorders like panic attacks and phobias.
If you cannot manage the condition yourself or feel you’re not addressing it properly, get professional care.
In most cases, people suffering from an anxiety disorder could use professional assistance to carve out a path of treatment.
Therapy is usually successful in defeating anxiety as someone with experience handles the process.
The duration of treatment varies from case to case, depending on how serious the condition is.
Maintain Activity
There’s a reason why there’s so much awareness for exercising. The reason is that physical activity is vital for the overall wellness of the body and mind.
Physical activity, especially working out, relieves tension and improves your mood.
Studies show that when your body is active, chemicals known as endorphins are released in the brain. Endorphins act as pain relievers and have anti-anxiety effects.
Conclusion
Sometimes the problem isn’t sleep at all but something else entirely.
If you think you have insomnia, the best course of action is to see your doctor first to know for sure what’s causing it. Your doctor will most likely suggest physical and psychological exams.
And if anxiety is the root problem, the tips we’ve shared with you will come in handy in helping you get back your normal sleep.
