People unfamiliar with social anxiety disorder (SAD) might assume that nighttime would be a respite for the person afflicted with SAD. Away from people and crowds it should be a time for peace and rest. Unfortunately, many people with SAD suffer from sleepless nights filled with anxiety and worry about future social engagements. What can be done to alleviate insomnia related to social anxiety? Below are a few quick tips:
- take time to unwind before bed - make some tea, take a bath, or watch a comedy on TV - anything that helps you to relax
- if anxious thoughts and worries start to take over, write them down on a piece of paper to deal with the next day when your mind is more rational
- don't lie in bed awake for too long - if you can't fall asleep, get up and read or do something else in another room until you feel sleepy
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My partner-in-life use to have bouts with anxiety and she still does. Sleeping comfortably at night is one of the things she’s having trouble with and only prescription drugs can make her feel better, and thus sleep well. I wish it’s easy as you’re tips but unfortunately for her, only drugs provide the remedy.
I had to take antidepressants for anxiety that worked for a while but it also caused insomnia which ironically led to more anxiety attacks. Anyone else experience this?