How does anxiety commonly affect sleep quality?

Anxiety has a well-documented impact on sleep quality, most notably by leading to sleep disturbances. Individuals experiencing anxiety may encounter difficulties in falling asleep, staying asleep, or achieving restful sleep. This is often due to racing thoughts, heightened arousal, or worry that can keep the mind agitated, making it challenging to relax enough to fall asleep. Additionally, anxiety can contribute to issues such as insomnia or fragmented sleep, where a person wakes frequently during the night and struggles to return to sleep.

Understanding that sleep quality is negatively affected by anxiety highlights the importance of addressing anxiety symptoms, as poor sleep can further exacerbate anxiety levels, creating a potentially harmful cycle. Managing anxiety effectively can therefore contribute to improved sleep quality and overall well-being.