"Why Am I More Anxious At Night?" Information for College Students

Picture this...

You're in bed, finally ready to sleep after a massive crush of end-of-semester projects. You're exhausted. You're so eager to just close your eyes and rest. And instead of resting... boom. Anxiety.

WHY IS THIS HAPPENING TO ME?

Anxious thoughts can often strike at night  because there’s nothing else to divert your attention. Many people with anxiety find it easier to deal with during the day because they can focus on all the tasks they need to accomplish. Typically, though, those with anxiety will jump from task to task and take much longer than needed because it’s hard to focus - so really, the anxiety just feels easier to address during the daytime, but it’s a problem throughout the day.

How to cope:

I encourage my clients to build in regular relaxation practice and mindfulness. This is especially good to do right before or during bedtime to help with sleep.

A good place to start is my mindfulness series, if you're curious to hear how to build in a regular relaxation practice.

And, if the anxiety is getting in the way of your sleep all the time...

If you have huge dark circles under your eyes, if you feel totally drained and worried that you're failing at college and at life... you should reach out to a counselor. Ideally someone who has been there and gets where you're coming from. 

Curious to hear more about counseling for you or your child? Compassionate Counseling St. Louis provides specialized anxiety and anger management therapy for kids, teens, and college students. We work in Clayton, MO and serve kids, teens, and college students throughout St. Louis City, St. Louis County, Ladue, University City, Town and Country, Webster Groves, Creve Coeur, Kirkwood, Richmond Heights, and Brentwood. You can set up your free phone screening to see if we’re a good fit for your needs right on our website.