Mental Health Experts Explain Why Anxiety Can Be Worse At Night And Before Sleeping

Struggling to fall asleep is something millions of people deal with every night, and it can be especially hard when mental health issues like anxiety come into play.

There’s solid science behind why anxiety makes it even tougher to fall asleep. The mental health disorder can really take its toll when you're trying to unwind after a long day.

Some people find comfort in sleeping with background noise, although even that comes with its own set of challenges, according to some experts.

But don't worry—there are ways to get help, including vitamins and other products that can assist with tiredness and fatigue, helping you get a good night’s rest.

When it comes to anxiety and mental health struggles affecting your sleep, LADbible spoke with Professor Ivo Vlaev, a behavioral psychologist from Warwick Business School at the University of Warwick.

He explained why you might be having trouble winding down at night. "Anxiety tends to worsen at night for several reasons, particularly because of the change in environment and mental focus," Prof. Vlaev said.

He went on to explain that during the day, your brain is kept busy with tasks, distractions, and social interactions, which help suppress anxious thoughts.

But at night, when you’re in a quiet, relaxed environment, there’s nothing to distract you, allowing those anxious thoughts to rise to the surface.

Anxiety flares up at night time for millions of people around the world Getty Stock Images

It’s like your brain finally has the time to overanalyze everything.

So, why does anxiety feel so much more intense when you're trying to go to bed?

According to Prof. Vlaev, one major factor is the lack of distraction. "During the day, activities like work, social interactions, and errands keep the mind occupied," he said.

"At night, these distractions fade, and the mind may become free to reflect on worries, future uncertainties, or unresolved issues, intensifying anxiety."

In addition to this, that quiet time at night gives you space to reflect on your day.

It’s easy to get caught up overthinking everything, and what may seem like small issues can start to feel overwhelming.

Prof. Vlaev explained it like this: "As you lie down, it's natural to reflect on the day's events or anticipate what’s coming next.

“This reflection can often turn into overthinking, where small issues seem magnified, leading to rumination about tasks left unfinished, concerns about social interactions, or worries about the future."

There’s also a physical aspect at play here, with your body’s natural rhythms making things worse.

Prof. Vlaev pointed out that "Cortisol, a stress hormone, has a natural rhythm where levels tend to rise in the early morning hours to help with waking up, but it can lead to increased feelings of anxiety if you're awake at that time."

You're not alone if you find it difficult Getty Stock Images

He added, "The body’s circadian rhythms and hormonal fluctuations can play a role in why anxiety feels more acute at night."

Fatigue, darkness, and a lack a control

In addition to anxiety, physical and mental fatigue by the end of the day can affect your ability to manage your emotions.

Exhaustion weakens your ability to cope with stress, which can make you more prone to overthinking and feeling anxious.

As Prof. Vlaev noted, “Having a quiet, dark, and isolated atmosphere at night can also trigger feelings of unease."

Without external distractions, your brain often turns inward, which can amplify fears and racing thoughts.

This leads to an even bigger issue—feeling like you’ve lost control. “Nighttime tends to bring about a feeling of loss of control," Prof. Vlaev said.

"During the day, we are actively engaging in tasks and feel a sense of accomplishment.

“At night, the sense of waiting for sleep and not knowing when it will come can make people feel helpless, exacerbating anxiety."

So, if you're lying awake at night feeling overwhelmed, just remember that anxiety can be much more intense in those quiet, dark hours. It's not just you—there’s science behind why it happens, and recognizing this might help you find ways to manage those restless nights.