I want to be able to sleep, but I also want to be hyper.
I do know that sleeping is very important, but sometimes it doesn’t work out with me.
I usually would stay up late, but now I just want to sleep.
Could lack of sleep cause anxiety?
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Yes, and it tends to worsen as the sleep deficit increases. There are at least two mechanisms involved. 1) The body attempts to maintain alertness by releasing adrenalin. Feeling the adrenalin triggers anxiety. 2) The adrenalin increases alertness, but doesn’t improve mental fatigue, so you’re more awake and at the same time, more aware of forgetfulness, confusion, mood swings, etc. That also leads to anxiety, and shaken confidence.
If you want to be hyper, do it on a decent night’s sleep. If you want to sleep, make sure both your mind and body have enough exercise. Without physical activity, it’s possible to be even more tired than if you did strenuous work on a regular basis. That’s why sedentary white collar workers have no energy when they get home, even though they did nothing physical.
Exercise increases oxygen flow to the brain and triggers the release of “feel good” endorphins. Avoid the negative feedback loop of inactivity leading to chronic tiredness, and tiredness leading to inactivity.
There’s jittery energy, usually associated with anxiety, and there’s feel good energy, associated with adequate rest, exercise and a decent diet.
Maintain good habits for a month, and they become easy to continue. Good things happen to confidence too.
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Of course lack of sleep can pressure the body into feeling more anxious. I used to experience anxiety about actually falling asleep and that emotional hyperarousal reinforced the negative connection with sleep. If I sleep, the dreams/memories/feelings resurface. Lack of sleep anxiety is probably more common in someone who has negative thought patterns or has already heightened anxiety.
I think wings has some good thoughts and suggestions. Releasing some of that energy at appropriate times could be really beneficial. Even if it’s not just exercising, it could be doing something fun like going for a walk and collecting every purple flower you see, or spending time engaging your mind with arts and crafts.
Sometimes I know the screen overstimulates my wakefulness and I need to do something like read or just sit and talk with my aunt or something.
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From: Lisalovesfeathers
Hi again, yes for sure lack of sleep can affect you in that manner. It may be worth looking for some calming ideas to try before getting in to bed. Maybe search for a new routine, switch off the computer, maybe read a book for a short time and then do some meditation or a bath, but stay away from things that stimulate. I think you will notice a difference… Lisa
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From: twixremix
hey kate,
lack of sleep can absolutely be a factor in anxiety as the body is not well rested enough to manage everything efficiently. have you tried getting your hyper tendencies be let out more effectively before bed by doing a neighborhood run or some in-house exercises? even dancing in your room can get that energy out. wising you the best in balancing the high energy with your need to sleep.
love,
twix
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From: ManekiNeko
getting into proper sleeping cycles is hard, being a shift worker it can be hectic and I know that at times when I have to work overnight I can feel a bit more anxious and emotional than i would normally tend to be.
If you’re not feeling tired before bed time, the others have suggested great things like exercising and decreasing screen times. Having a bath or doing some relaxing stretches. Having a cup of green tea or peppermint tea with no caffeine.
It does help to get into the habit
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From: eloquentpetrichor
Hey again 
Lack of sleep can definitely make anxiety worse. Maybe you could try finding tricks to help you get to sleep like relaxing music or something? Or a nice bedtime routine. Good luck getting some better sleep
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From: Mamadien
Sleep is so important to our health so if you are having difficulty with sleep, please have a talk with your dad or your doctor about what things might be impacting your sleep. I know that turning off screens at least an hour before bed will help. Also having your room really dark is good. I hope you get some sleep.
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Hi there Kate,
Your question is a good one that has a bit of nuance to it. Sleep can cause sleep deprivation, which has many effects that can worsen many mental health-related conditions and can generally make it harder to regulate emotions.
If you’re worried about sleep, looking into improving sleep hygiene is one of the best strategies. You may find this to be interesting: Tips for Better Sleep | CDC
If that doesn’t help, you could also talk to your GP or a sleep specialist about this, and they may have some thoughts.
You got this!
<3 Tuna
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I think that, this is something that can be best talked to with a doctor about, but definitely limiting screen time and doing something stimulating like exercise before bed can definitely help make it better. Avoid caffeine, and eating healthier can help improve sleep. Make sure you’re getting enough Vitamin D to combat fatigue.
Take care.
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