Sleep and the Anxious Brain
Sleep difficulties and anxiety often go hand in hand, each influencing the other in ways that can affect energy, mood, concentration, and overall wellbeing. Understanding how the anxious brain impacts sleep can make a meaningful difference in building healthier, more restorative sleep habits.
In this live online session, Psychologist Adrian Comensoli will explore the relationship between anxiety and sleep, share practical strategies to calm the mind at night, and help you develop a more supportive approach to rest. This discussion caters to anyone seeking practical insights , whether you’re personally experiencing sleep challenges, supporting a loved one, or simply wanting to better understand the connection between anxiety and sleep.
Join Adrian for an engaging conversation covering the following:
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Why anxiety affects sleep: How the brain’s threat system can stay active at night, why racing thoughts and hyperarousal make it difficult to fall or stay asleep, and how this cycle can become self-reinforcing over time.
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Breaking the worry–sleep cycle: Strategies to manage racing thoughts, reduce bedtime rumination, and create mental space for rest without putting pressure on yourself to “force” sleep.
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Building a supportive sleep routine: Practical ways to shape evening habits, wind-down routines, and sleep environments that signal safety and calm to the nervous system.
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Managing night-time wakefulness: What to do when you wake during the night, how to respond without frustration or panic, and how to gently guide your brain back toward rest.
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Creating long-term sleep confidence: Tools to reduce sleep-related anxiety, rebuild trust in your ability to rest, and approach sleep with greater confidence and self-compassion.
This session offers invaluable guidance for anyone wanting to better understand sleep and the anxious brain while building healthier, more sustainable sleep habits. Mark your calendar for Wednesday, September 2nd, and join us for this supportive and enlightening virtual gathering. We encourage your questions and active participation to make this a truly collaborative learning experience for everyone involved.