Are You Worrying About Not Sleeping? If you are prone for insomnia, then you are already going to bed preoccupied with getting to sleep quickly and obtaining as much sleep as possible. You also worry about the impact of sleep on your physical health and daytime functioning. These excessive worries and ruminations trigger in you a state of physical arousal and emotional distress through activation of the sympathetic nervous system similar to the fight-or-flight response. This arousal and anxious state then narrows your focus to attend to and monitor for sleep-related cues such as: Body sensations for signs consistent with falling asleep: slowing of heart rate and loss of muscle tone. Body sensations for signs inconsistent with falling asleep: heart pounding quickly and muscle tension. Surroundings for signs of not falling asleep: noises outside and inside the house. The clock to see how long it is taking you to fall asleep: “It is 1:30 a.m….I have been trying t...
Authored by Dr. Harpreet Duggal, a board-certified psychiatrist and expert in self-managing depression, this blog offers practical strategies for treating depression beyond medications and therapy. It explores key elements such as healthy living, positive psychology, relationships, personal values, strengths, communication, and overall wellness. Please note that this blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional treatment advice.