Nearly 20% of American adults report having Anxiety disorder In the past year The data shows And many people tend to feel uneasy and anxious when the sun goes down.
Although “sunset anxiety” is not an official medical diagnosis, and does not appear in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), but in some cases Mental health Experts agree that this is a very real phenomenon.
Andrea D. Guastello, PhD, a licensed psychologist with the University of Florida Department of Psychiatry, says symptoms aren’t limited to anxiety.
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“It could be any psychiatric symptom. “Anything that increases in frequency or intensity when the sun goes down or at night,” Guastello told Fox News Digital.
Although “sunset anxiety” is not an official medical diagnosis, It does not appear in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), but some mental health experts agree that it is a real phenomenon. (Istock)
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What exactly is sunset anxiety?
Sunset anxiety occurs when a person begins to feel anxious when the sun goes down at the end of the day, Beena Persaud, Psy.D., a clinical psychologist at Cleveland Clinic Akron General in Akron, Ohio, told Fox News Digital.
“A lack of natural light can leave people with less energy and motivation. feeling unwell, restless Worrying and worrying about getting work done,” she said.
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People with previous experience episodes of anxiety And in general People who are more anxious are more vulnerable, Persaud said, as are people who are more sensitive to changes in light and who think they are. “Night Owl”
“Adults are more likely to feel this than teenagers or children. And it may be due to adults’ feeling of responsibility for their daily activities,” one expert said. (Istock)
Experts note that there are no specific gender or racial trends for sunset anxiety.
“Adults are more likely to feel this than teenagers or children. And it may be due to adults’ sense of responsibility for their day-to-day activities,” she added.
General trigger
Experts stated that Sunset anxiety may be related to heart rhythm. They are 33% of the body’s natural internal organs that control many bodily functions.
Heart rhythm is influenced by melatonin production, Persaud said.
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“We know there can be hormonal changes. with winter and daylight saving time,” she told Fox News Digital.
“This is because our melatonin production is easily affected by light. Early darkness can cause symptoms of anxiety and depression. The body believes it should get ready for bed because of the darkness.”
“A lack of natural light can leave people with less energy and motivation. feeling unwell, restless Worry and worry about getting the job done.”
Experts report that seasonal anxiety increases from October to late March.
“The change of seasons and the darkness that preceded this This makes it a prime time for people to experience both sunset anxiety and seasonal depression,” said Persaud.
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Anxiety can also occur if someone is burdened with a heavy load of activities and responsibilities. and struggled to complete it in the evening.
“The early darkness made us Physically and emotionally It was exhausting and we felt as if the day was going to end before we could complete our daily goals,” said Persaud.
Tips for relieving anxiety at sunset
Guastello from the University of Florida offers the following tips to help reduce anxiety when the sun goes down.
If you experience symptoms of sunset anxiety that worsen or continue without improvement with the lifestyle changes above. Experts recommend consulting with a mental health provider. (Istock)
– Set reasonable goals for yourself.
– Plan fun activities for times when you’re anxious.
– Practice well Sleep hygiene
– Go outside and get some sunlight. and use solar lamps in times of low light.
– Pay attention to your nutrition and check your health with you. primary care provider if necessary
– Exercise regularly to help relieve low levels of anxiety. But avoid exercising within two hours of bedtime.
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If you experience symptoms of sunset anxiety that worsen or continue without improvement with the lifestyle changes above. Experts recommend consulting with a mental health provider.
