Untangling Anxiety and Insomnia with Sleep Science
Episode Overview
Anxiety often precedes insomnia, impacting sleep quality. Addressing sleep can improve overall mental health. 'Contain Your Brain' app helps manage worry effectively. Safety is crucial before addressing sleep issues in dangerous situations. Everyday worries can significantly interfere with sleep.
Worry is not a negative thing; it's there to alert you cognitively that there is a threat that you might need to protect yourself from or prepare for.
Curious about how anxiety affects insomnia? Dive into this episode of Sleep Science Today with Andrew Colsky, where Dr. Lillian Najad shares her expertise on the intricate dance between anxiety and sleep disorders. Dr. Najad, a seasoned psychologist, discusses how anxiety often precedes insomnia and how addressing sleep can simultaneously improve mental health.
With anecdotes from her practice, she reveals the common worries that keep us up at night and introduces practical solutions like the 'Contain Your Brain' app, designed to help manage these pesky thoughts. The episode doesn't shy away from tough topics, tackling the impact of stressors from everyday life to more severe issues like domestic violence. Dr.
Najad emphasises the importance of safety before sleep and offers a compassionate perspective on how worry can be both a hindrance and a protective mechanism. Andrew and Dr. Najad explore various types of anxiety that can disrupt sleep, from anticipatory anxiety to the racing thoughts that hit when your head meets the pillow. They also touch on broader societal concerns contributing to heightened anxiety levels today.
Whether you're battling insomnia or simply curious about the science behind sleep, this episode offers a treasure trove of insights and practical advice. So, why not give it a listen? You might just find the key to a better night's rest.