Almost 20% of American adults anxiety disorder Data from the past year shows that many people are more likely to feel anxious and anxious as the sun goes down.
Although “sunset anxiety” is not an official medical diagnosis and is not listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), mental health Experts agree that this is a very real phenomenon.
Dr. Andrea D. Guastero, a licensed psychologist in the University of Florida Department of Psychiatry, says anxiety is not the only symptom.
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“It could be any psychiatric symptom that increases in frequency or intensity as the sun goes down or as the night goes on,” Guastero told FOX News Digital.
Although “sunset anxiety” is not an official medical diagnosis and is not listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), some mental health professionals believe it is a very real possibility. Some agree that it is a phenomenon. (St. Petersburg)
Symptoms include: feeling depressedexperts said feelings of loneliness and hopelessness tend to increase at night.
What exactly is sunset anxiety?
Sunset anxiety occurs when a person begins to feel anxious as the sun sets at the end of the day, Veena Persaud, M.D., a clinical psychologist at Cleveland Clinic Akron General in Akron, Ohio, told FOX News. told Digital.
“Lack of natural light can lower people's energy and motivation, causing restlessness, discomfort, and worry and tension when completing tasks,” she says.
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People who have experienced this before episode of anxiety Persaud said that people who are generally more susceptible to anxiety are also susceptible, as are those who are sensitive to changes in light and those who consider themselves “night owls.”
One expert said, “Adults are more likely to feel it than teenagers and children, and this may be due to adults' sense of responsibility for their daily activities.” (St. Petersburg)
There are no specific gender or racial trends in sunset anxiety, experts noted.
“Adults are more likely to feel it than teenagers and children, and this may be due to adults' sense of responsibility for daily activities,” she added.
common triggers
According to experts, the onset of sunset anxiety may be related to circadian rhythms, which are 33% of the body's natural rhythms that regulate many of the body's functions.
Circadian rhythms are influenced by melatonin production, Persaud said.
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“We know that hormonal changes can occur with winter And daylight saving time,” she told FOX News Digital.
“Melatonin production is sensitive to light, so early darkness can trigger symptoms of both anxiety and depression. The body believes it's ready for bed thanks to darkness. ”
“Lack of natural light can lower people's energy and motivation, causing restlessness, discomfort, and worry and tension when completing tasks.”
Experts report that seasonal anxiety increases from October to late March.
“The change of seasons and the onset of darkness earlier makes this a time of year when people are more likely to experience both sunset anxiety and seasonal depression,” Persaud said.
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Anxiety can also occur if someone has a heavy mental burden of activities or responsibilities and struggles to complete them all by evening.
“The darkness that came before us both physically and emotionally I feel tired and the day ends before I reach my daily goals,” Persaud said.
Tips to reduce sunset anxiety
Guastero, from the University of Florida, offered the following tips to reduce anxiety around sunset.
If the lifestyle changes listed above don't help, and your symptoms of sunset anxiety worsen or persist, experts recommend seeing a mental health professional. (St. Petersburg)
– Set reasonable goals for yourself
– Plan fun activities during times of high anxiety
– Have a good practice sleep hygiene
– Please expose it to sunlight outdoors and use a solar lamp when the light level is low.
– Pay attention to your nutrition and get a health check. primary care provider as needed
– Get regular exercise to reduce low-level anxiety. However, avoid exercising within 2 hours of bedtime.
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If the lifestyle changes listed above don't help, and your symptoms of sunset anxiety worsen or persist, experts recommend seeing a mental health professional.
