About 20 percent of American adults reported Anxiety disorder Last year’s data showed – and many people are more likely to feel anxious and anxious as the sun goes down.
Although “sunset disorder” 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 this is a very real phenomenon.
According to Andrea De Gustello, Ph.D., a licensed psychologist in the University of Florida’s Department of Psychiatry, the symptoms aren’t limited to anxiety.
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“It can be any psychological symptom that increases in frequency or intensity around sunset or at night,” Gustello told Fox News Digital.
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 condition. There is an event. (iStock)
Symptoms may include: Feelings of depressionLoneliness and hopelessness that increases at night, the expert said.
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, Bena Persaud, PSD, a clinical psychologist at Cleveland Clinic Akron General in Akron, Ohio, told Fox News. told Digital.
“Lack of natural light can lead to people feeling low energy and motivation, restless, anxious and nervous about completing tasks,” he said.
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Those who have experienced it before. Anxiety episodes And in general, those who are more anxious are more sensitive, Persaud said, as are those who are highly sensitive to changes in light and those who consider themselves “night owls.” .
“Adults are more likely to feel this way than teenagers or children, and this is because adults feel responsible for daily activities,” said one expert. (iStock)
There are no specific gender or ethnic trends for sunset anxiety, the expert said.
“Adults are more likely to feel this way than teenagers or children, and this is because adults feel responsible for daily activities,” he added.
Common triggers
According to experts, sunset anxiety may be related to the circadian rhythm, which is the body’s internal, natural 33 percent that regulates many body functions.
Circadian rhythms are influenced by melatonin production, Persaud said.
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“We know that hormonal changes can happen. With winter And daylight savings time,” he told Fox News Digital.
“Because our production of melatonin is so easily affected by light, early darkness can cause symptoms of both anxiety and depression. The body thinks it should be getting ready for bed because of the darkness.”
“Lack of natural light can cause people to have low energy and motivation, restless sleep, worry about completing tasks, and panic.”
Experts report an increase in seasonal anxiety from October to the end of March.
“The changing of the seasons and earlier darkness make it the perfect time for people to experience both sunset anxiety and seasonal depression,” Persaud said.
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Anxiety can also occur when a person is burdened with too many activities and responsibilities and struggles to complete them all by evening.
“The darkness that came before makes us. Physically and emotionally tired, and we feel like the day is ending before we can achieve our daily goals,” said Persaud.
Tips to overcome sunset anxiety
Gustello at the University of Florida offers the following tips to help prevent anxiety around sunset.
If you experience worsening or persistent symptoms of sunset anxiety that do not improve with the above lifestyle changes, experts recommend consulting with a mental health provider. (iStock)
– Set reasonable goals for yourself.
– Plan enjoyable activities around the times when your anxiety usually starts.
– Practice well. Sleep hygiene
– Get outdoor sun exposure and use sunlight during low light.
– Pay attention to your nutrition and get a checkup with yourself. Primary care provider If needed
– Exercise regularly to help lower anxiety levels, but avoid exercising within two hours of bedtime.
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If you experience worsening or persistent symptoms of sunset anxiety that do not improve with the above lifestyle changes, experts recommend consulting with a mental health provider.