Does generalised anxiety disorder cause difficulty sleeping?

With generalised anxiety disorder, thoughts about health, work, family, or future events may become louder when the day becomes quiet. Physical tension and a racing mind can delay sleep, while early waking may lead to more time spent worrying. Tiredness the next day can then reduce coping capacity and make worries feel harder to manage.

Poor sleep also has other possible explanations, including pain, breathing problems during sleep, restless legs, depression, medicines, caffeine, alcohol, or an irregular schedule. A clear history helps identify the main contributors.

Keep a steady wake time, use the bed for sleep rather than prolonged worrying, and make the bedroom quiet, dark, and comfortable. Reduce caffeine later in the day and avoid alcohol as a sleep aid. If you are awake and frustrated, briefly move to a dim, quiet activity and return when sleepy.

Arrange a review when sleep difficulty persists, affects daytime functioning, or comes with persistent anxiety. Cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia or anxiety-focused therapy may be discussed, alongside a review of medicines and sleep habits.

Seek urgent help if sleeplessness comes with thoughts of self-harm, severe agitation, confusion, hallucinations, or unusually high energy with little need for sleep. Get prompt advice for dangerous daytime sleepiness, especially if you are struggling to stay awake while driving.

Ask what may be disturbing your sleep, whether another condition or medicine is involved, and whether therapy or a short-term treatment plan is appropriate.