Nearly 20% of American adults report having Anxiety disorder Last year, the data shows – many were more likely to feel uneasy and anxious as the sun went 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), some Mental health Experts agree that it is a very real phenomenon.
The symptoms aren't just about anxiety, according to Andrea D. Guastillo, Ph.D., is a licensed psychologist in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Florida.
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“It could be any psychological symptom that increases in frequency or severity as the sun goes down or at night,” Guastillo told Fox News Digital.
While “sunset anxiety” is not an official medical diagnosis and does not appear in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), some mental health experts agree that it is a very real phenomenon. (Istock)
Symptoms may include: Feelings of depressionThe expert said that isolation and despair 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, Bina Persaud, a clinical psychologist at Cleveland Clinic Akron General in Akron, Ohio, told Fox News Digital.
“The lack of natural light can cause people to have low energy and motivation, and be restless, anxious and nervous about completing tasks,” she said.
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People who have already had the experience Anxiety attacks People who are generally anxious are more vulnerable, Persaud said, as are people who are highly sensitive to light changes and those who consider themselves “night owls.”
“Adults are more likely to feel this than teenagers or children, and this may be because adults feel responsible for daily activities,” one expert said. (Istock)
The expert noted that there are no specific gender or racial tendencies for sunset anxiety.
“Adults are more likely to feel it than teenagers or children, and this may be because adults feel responsible for daily activities,” she added.
Common triggers
The onset of anxiety at sunset may be related to the circadian rhythm, which is the body’s 33% natural internal rhythm, which regulates many of the body’s functions, according to experts.
Circadian 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.
“Since our melatonin production is easily affected by light, early darkness can cause symptoms of anxiety and depression. The body thinks it should be preparing for sleep because of the darkness.”
“A lack of natural light can cause people to have low energy and motivation, feel restless, anxious and nervous about completing tasks.”
Experts point to an increase in seasonal anxiety from October to late March.
“The change of seasons and early darkness make it a good time for people to experience sunset anxiety and seasonal depression,” Persaud said.
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Anxiety can also occur if someone carries a heavy mental load of activities and responsibilities and struggles to complete them all by the evening.
“The darkness that happened earlier makes us Physically and emotionally “We are tired, and we feel as if the day is over before we can achieve our daily goals,” Persaud said.
Tips to relieve sunset anxiety
Guastello of the University of Florida offered the following tips to help reduce anxiety at sunset.
If you are experiencing worsening or persistent symptoms of sunset anxiety that do not improve with the lifestyle changes listed above, experts recommend consulting a mental health provider. (Istock)
– Set reasonable goals for yourself
– Plan fun activities for the time when anxiety usually starts
– Train well Sleep hygiene
– Exposure to sunlight outside and using a sun lamp in times of low light
– Pay attention to your nutrition and get a medical examination Primary care provider If necessary
Exercise regularly to help reduce anxiety levels, but avoid exercising within two hours of bedtime
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If you are experiencing worsening or persistent symptoms of sunset anxiety that do not improve with the lifestyle changes listed above, experts recommend consulting a mental health provider.
