Stress hormones often override your sleep hormones (Photo: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

In recent weeks I have noticed that it is impossible to fall asleep at a reasonable time.

My body will be completely shattered, but my brain refuses to shut down, so I lie there, eyes wide open in the dark, trying to count sheep.

The problem is that when I’m in bed my thoughts tend to spin: they’re not necessarily anxious thoughts, they can be about anything, but I worry about what I’m going to do in the morning when I’m in bed lie. have to go to the gym in a conversation I had with a friend two weeks ago.

I’m no stranger to sleep problems – I’ve always had trouble falling asleep – which is why it may have taken longer than I’d like to admit to link the tightness in my chest to the fact that my brain isn’t exercising at night .

While I haven’t been officially diagnosed yet, all signs point to my anxiety, and descriptions of “high-functioning” anxiety online resonate somewhat — though some clinicians question the use of the term.

What is a “high-functioning” anxiety effect and how can it affect your sleep?

We can’t sleep until we’re sufficiently exhausted (don’t worry!) or sufficiently relaxed,” says John.

“Stress will delay our sleep because we’re just too excited to relax.”

DR Meg Arroll, a clinical psychologist and author of Tiny Traumas: If you don’t know what’s going on but nothing feels right, Metro.co.uk says it’s because “the stress response triggered by anxiety is triggered by thoughts that transcend sleep”. instinct. “. because it’s so important to survive.”

In reality, if our body thinks we are in danger (which is fear), it doesn’t want us to sleep, even if there is no real threat.

Not being able to switch off in bed can be a sign of stress (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

The problem is that a lack of sleep can amplify our anxiety, creating a potentially endless feedback loop.

“We function less well after a stressful day and a shorter or interrupted night’s sleep,” says John.

“Our concentration will deteriorate, our intolerance will increase and our effort will increase.

“We become more sensitive to what we see as ‘mistakes’ in others, such as B. Delays that we encounter that may be less easy to forgive.”

The extra anxiety about everything can then make it even harder to sleep the next night, and so on.

This gets worse when we try to manage our anxiety and irritability with caffeine or overeating and sugar, John adds.

How to Sleep Better When Your Brain Won’t Shut Down

So how do we break this seemingly never-ending cycle of overthinking, anxiety, and poor sleep?

John suggests journaling or talking to someone you trust before you go to sleep to “don’t take your worries to bed.”

Instead, think about the things that went well during the day.

“If you can’t think of anything, think about the day before,” he adds.

Finally, avoid confrontational and anxious situations whenever possible, skip the alcoholic nightcap, avoid excessive caffeine, and try to get some exercise, especially outdoors and earlier in the day.

“Above all,” says John, “seek professional help and the support of those you love.”