Why might a patient with anxiety have difficulties sleeping?

A patient with anxiety often experiences persistent feelings of worry and tension, which can significantly interfere with the ability to fall and stay asleep. This heightened state of arousal makes it difficult for the mind to relax, leading to racing thoughts and a sense of unease that can keep individuals awake or cause them to have restless sleep. Anxiety can also activate the body's stress response, releasing hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, which can further disrupt sleep patterns.

While physical exhaustion from anxiety or side effects of medications can influence sleep quality, the primary factor is the constant mental strain that anxiety imposes. Additionally, dietary restrictions may not directly relate to the experience of sleep disturbances caused by anxiety itself. Therefore, the consistent feelings of worry and tension are the most direct and impactful reasons for sleep difficulties in individuals suffering from anxiety.