Can anxiety make sleeping this bad?

Posted by mkqq @mkqq, Apr 11, 2020

Hi all,

So I became sick 6 weeks ago, had a fever that lasted 2-3 days. A few nights after that is when the problem started. I had a totally sleepless night and then a few more sleepless or almost sleep nights in the next weeks or so, which made me feel terrible and fatigued.

For the past 5-6 weeks or so sleeping has been absolutely terrible. I am using some melatonin and valerian which helps a little but not much. On average I'm only getting 5-6 hours of interrupted sleep a night.

I would wake up frequently every hour or every 2 hours. For example if I fall asleep at at 2200, I would wake up at 2300, then wake up again at 0000 or 0100. Very often between the hours of 0200-0400 I can't sleep at all.

So my anxiety grew and in the last 3-4 weeks or so I've having trouble finding a comfortable breathing rythm in bed. I would very often wake up breathing faster and heavier than usual.

This scares me because I'm still fighting an infection and I'm wondering if there's anything wrong with my lungs.

Doctor says it's anxiety. But I'm worried there is a medical condition.

My temperature is normal. I had a wet cough for a few weeks but that seems to have disappeared. My blood oxygen saturation is 98%.

So I'm wondering can anxiety make your sleeping this bad? All this in the last few weeks has made me rather depressed and extremely fatigued.

Thanks for any input.

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rab | @rab | Apr 11, 2020

Hello I suffer from anxiety do u get a constant urge to take a deep breath

mkqq | @mkqq | Apr 11, 2020

In reply to @rab "Hello I suffer from anxiety do u get a constant urge to take a deep breath" + (show)

Sometimes, not always.

rab | @rab | Apr 11, 2020

Whats the main symptoms u get that makes u worry

mkqq | @mkqq | Apr 11, 2020

The fatigue and especially waking up every hour or two breathing fast.

rab | @rab | Apr 11, 2020

Do u find breathing easier when your relaxed

Ellen | @helenfrances | Apr 11, 2020

In reply to @rab "Hello I suffer from anxiety do u get a constant urge to take a deep breath" + (show)

When I am anxious I try to remember to breathe..slowly. It works! I say “Breathe”.
“In and out.” It works for me.

rab | @rab | Apr 11, 2020

I hope u get better im suffering to i understand ur feeling I will pray for u enjoy the rest of u day God bless u with the best of health

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Apr 11, 2020

Hi @mkqq, Anxiety and stress can make sleeping bad. The Sleep Foundation website has some tips that might help with the anxiety here:
https://www.sleepfoundation.org/articles/how-does-anxiety-affect-sleep

Do you have a night time routine before going to bed to help you try and relax? The American Institute of Stress also has some suggestions and information that may be helpful here: https://www.stress.org/get-rid-of-sleep-anxiety-and-insomnia-your-guide-to-a-better-nights-rest

Chris Trout, Volunteer Mentor | @artscaping | Apr 11, 2020

In reply to @helenfrances "When I am anxious I try to remember to breathe..slowly. It works! I say “Breathe”. “In..." + (show)

@helenfrances, Hi there, I just wanted to add emphasis to your comment about coming back to the breath when you need support. There are guided meditations focusing on the breath. The purpose is to clear your mind of things that shouldn't be there and give your brain a break. Just breathe. Here's another mindfulness message. Breathing in, I am aware that I am breathing in. Breathing out, I am aware I am breathing out. Breathing in, I feel the cool air going in my nostrils. Breathing out, I feel the warm air coming out my nostrils. These always help me especially when I start with 10 breaths counting IN 2,3,4 and then Out 2, 3, 4. Hope these suggestions work for you.
May you be safe and protected.
Chris