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Sleep anxiety is worry about sleep — creating a cycle where anxiety prevents sleep, and poor sleep increases anxiety.
Quick Answer
Sleep anxiety is worry about sleep — creating a cycle where anxiety prevents sleep, and poor sleep increases anxiety. Dr. Jitendra Prasad Yadav (NMC 8029, 15+ years of clinical experience) evaluates sleep anxiety cycle at Kathmandu Neurology Clinic & Cognitive Center, 117 Lal Durbar Marg, Kathmandu, Bagmati Province 44600, Nepal — evidence-based, medically reviewed.
Sleep anxiety is worry about sleep — 'trying to sleep' activates the sympathetic nervous system, preventing sleep. Poor sleep then increases anxiety about the next night's sleep — creating a self-perpetuating cycle. This is a common cause of sleep-onset insomnia and is treated with CBT-I techniques.
Clock watching
Racing thoughts
Management is individualized and discussed with benefits, limitations, and follow-up.
Irritability
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Reviewed by Dr. Jitendra Prasad Yadav • Last reviewed: 2026-11-10
Content is educational and aligns with standard medical references; individual evaluation may vary. External links provide context and do not imply endorsement.
Doctor — medically reviewed
Dr. Jitendra Prasad Yadav
Consultant Neurologist & Headache Specialist • MBBS, MD (Internal Medicine), FICN (Neurology), FCNV, FIHM • NMC 8029
This condition guide was medically reviewed by Dr. Jitendra Prasad Yadav.
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