Mental health experts explain why anxiety can be worse at night and before sleeping

Finding it hard to fall asleep is something millions of us encounter every single night, with the problem often made worse by our mental health.

And there is solid science behind why we find it difficult to drop off when feeling anxious in particular, with the mental health disorder taking its toll on us while we try and relax for the next day.

Some find ease in sleeping with background noise, although this isn't without its underlying issues, according to some experts.

There is help out there, though, in particular vitamins and products you can take to help with tiredness and fatigue in the hope of resting well.

When it comes to underlying anxiety and mental health issues, LADbible spoke to a university professor on the issue and why you might be struggling when it comes to night time and then going to bed.

Professor Ivo Vlaev is a behavioural psychologist from Warwick Business School at the University of Warwick. He said: "Anxiety tends to worsen at night for several reasons, particularly because of the change in environment and mental focus.

"During the day, the brain is usually occupied with various tasks, distractions, and social interactions, which can suppress anxious thoughts. However, at night, when a person is in a quiet, relaxed environment, the lack of distractions allows anxious thoughts to surface."

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

Why anxiety is more intense when going to bed

According to Prof Vlaev, a lack of distraction is one of the big issues when it comes to having anxiety flare ups.

"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."

That time with no distraction also gives you the ability to reflect on the day that has been; moments that you might find yourself thinking about a little too much.

Prof Vlaev says: "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 is a physical reason too, though, with your body's natural rhythm playing its part. Prof Vlaev explains: "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.

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

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

Fatigue, darkness, and a lack a control

As well as this, mental and physical fatigue can impair your emotional regulation. By the end of the day, coping mechanisms are often weaker, making it harder to manage anxious thoughts.

Exhaustion lowers a person's capacity to deal with stress and anxiety in healthy ways, which may lead to overthinking and heightened anxiety.

Having a quiet, dark, and isolated atmosphere at night can also trigger feelings of unease, with Prof Vlaev saying: "Without external stimuli, your brain may focus on internal fears, leading to racing thoughts and amplifying feelings of worry."

Ultimately you're heightening the feeling of having no control.

"Nighttime tends to bring about a feeling of loss of control," the professor says.

"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."