Why Am I Not Sleeping? Anxiety’s physical effects

Our bodies’ natural reaction to stress in our lives is anxiety. It is an emotion of dread or trepidation for the future. Many life events, such as a forthcoming job interview, a trip, an exam, a marriage, a new baby, or other major life events, may cause us to feel these emotions. As it keeps us alert and in a heightened state—a condition of survival—the anxiety we experience at these times is acceptable and may even be considered useful. But, persistent and acute worry that causes physical symptoms might prevent you from doing basic tasks, like sleeping, and interfere with your daily activities.

We are here for you and ready to help you regain your mental and physical health, even if experiencing anxiety might make you feel down and hopeless. We think everyone has the right to be in charge of their lives and enjoy them to the fullest.

What Is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a response to the stress in our life. An impending event, a terrible circumstance, a difficult choice, or any other type of life upheaval might cause this tension. Anxiety typically begins and ends as a person gets through the stressor that caused it. With time and distance from the circumstance, the worry should subside or disappear. But when a person has an anxiety condition, the symptoms can appear out of nowhere and continue for a few weeks or longer. The good news is that anxiety can be treated and there are techniques to reduce it in your life.

Anxiety Disorder Types

Every individual experiences anxiety differently since it has a wide range of varied causes and symptoms. Treatment-able anxiety disorders come in a variety of forms:

• panic disorder,
• generalized anxiety disorder,
• social anxiety disorder,
• post-traumatic stress disorder,
• obsessive-compulsive disorder
• other phobia-related disorders.

The source of anxiety

There isn’t a single, all-encompassing response to the big question, “what causes anxiety?” According to research, there is a hereditary and environmental component to the likelihood of acquiring an anxiety condition. The emergence of anxiety is influenced by a person’s history, chemistry, and temperament, among other things. It can strike at any point in life and develop gradually.

Who is a affected?

Adults between the ages of 30 and 44 are most likely to experience anxiety. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 2.2% of teenagers and 2.7% of adults suffer with generalized anxiety. Generalized anxiety disorder is more commonly diagnosed in women and girls than in boys. Compared to only 1.9 percent of men and 1.5 percent of boys, 3.4 percent of women and 3.0 percent of girls had the diagnosis. Without a question, anxiety primarily affects women.

How Anxiety Affects Your Physical Health

Your body may experience confusion and exhaustion when you have chronic anxiety. If you start experiencing physical symptoms, your anxiety may grow. Your physical health is negatively impacted by anxiety in addition to your mind and mental health. Sweating, fast breathing, heart palpitations, stomach ache, migraines, inflammations, and difficulty sleeping are just a few of the physical manifestations of worry.

There are more disruptive symptoms to look out for in addition to these typical ones:

• Respiratory issues
• aches and pains in the muscles
• high blood pressure
• extreme weariness
• dry mouth
• loss of libido
• nausea
• lightheadedness.

Why Am I Not Sleeping? Anxiety’s physical effects
Neurological Reaction

The nervous system is an essential component of our body and plays a crucial role in facilitating intersystem communication. When a person is worried, their body sends blood to the brain to prepare it for the impending threat. In response, the brain releases neurotransmitters including the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline into the body’s nerve system. A person will become tense and unpleasant after being exposed to cortisol and adrenaline for an extended period of time since they keep the body constantly revved up.

Cortisol

A steroid hormone called cortisol is produced in the cortex of the adrenal gland. Blood sugar levels rise when it circulates throughout the body after being released into the bloodstream. Because cortisol receptors are present in every cell of the body, it affects many different bodily components. Each person’s body is affected differently because each person’s chemistry and other life circumstances are distinct.

Rapid weight gain (mostly on the face, chest, and abdomen) and high blood pressure are signs of persistently elevated cortisol. Osteoporosis, altered skin, increased thirst, decreased libido, irregular menstrual cycles, difficulty sleeping, and others.

Suggestion for read: 4 Tips for the Best Sleep of Your Life

How to improve sleep?

Adrenaline

Similar to cortisol, adrenaline overexposure can be bad for the body. The activity of adrenaline is to start the body’s fight-or-flight response. In order to enlarge the airway and deliver more oxygen, it alters the blood vessels such that they constrict and direct blood into the primary muscle groups. This is a beneficial response for the body in situations where there is an immediate threat. This hormone is in charge of seemingly unbelievable tales about mothers lifting vehicles off of their kids. But when there is no immediate threat, it could be harmful to your health.

Long-term adrenaline surges can have negative effects on blood pressure, blood vessel health, risk of heart attack or stroke, and more.

Why Does Anxiety Keep Me Up at Night?

While cortisol and adrenaline are helpful in times of serious danger, they are of little utility during times of routine stress. Your body strives to protect you by keeping your brain active and attentive when it senses a threat. Sleeping might be difficult as a result.

Calendar Rhythm

Your body has a 24-hour circadian rhythm that affects how much cortisol and melatonin is made. As you wake up and throughout the day, cortisol levels are high for someone who is not suffering from chronic anxiety. Melatonin follows a different pattern, peaking throughout the night while you are asleep after beginning to rise in the evening. The purpose of this schedule is to encourage the body to burn sugar for energy at the appropriate time of day and to promote regular, deep sleep. Cortisol levels do not naturally fall throughout the course of the day in people who have persistent anxiety. Instead, they are elevated and take precedence over melatonin. Insomnia is brought on by this disruption of the body’s natural rhythm and sleep cycles.

Therapies for Anxiety: Changes in lifestyle

When the body doesn’t unwind, recuperate, and rest, it might be exhausting. However it’s crucial to keep in mind that you may make changes in your life to lessen stress and worry. To start making sure your body is receiving the right nutrition, eat healthily. It’s also crucial to stay away from stimulants like coffee, alcohol, and recreational drugs because these can exacerbate anxiety. Your body and mind will benefit greatly from daily exercise.

Professional guidance

When making lifestyle changes doesn’t appear to be working or you feel trapped, seeking professional treatment can be a helpful strategy for managing anxiety. Our counselors at Inquire Talk are dedicated to enhancing your emotional wellbeing. We want you to accomplish your objectives and lead a fulfilled life. With assistance, you will discover methods for dealing with your anxiety as well as adjustments you can do to lower your stress level and establish appropriate limits, which will keep you on the right track toward successful mental health.

InquireTalk certified therapists who you can get in touch and book a therapy session with:

John Hilsdon

Sylvia Cowell

Glen Gibson