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No one wakes up every day with energy and in a good mood. But if you wake up feeling anxious about the start of the day, you may need support to deal with morning anxiety.

What is morning anxiety?

Morning anxiety is characterized by an overwhelming feeling of worry and anxiety that often occurs immediately after waking up. This type of anxiety can feel like a heavy burden, especially at the beginning of the day.

Causes of morning anxiety

  • Hormonal changes: In the morning, the body’s hormone levels change, which can cause anxiety.
  • Sleep quality: Poor sleep quality or lack of sleep can exacerbate feelings of anxiety upon waking.
  • Stress and worries: Often daily stressors and worries are behind morning anxiety.

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Do I have morning anxiety?

These are some of the symptoms that are signs of morning anxiety:

  • Feelings of worry and fear
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Difficulty breathing normally
  • A feeling of heavy pressure over the chest

Dealing with morning anxiety – 3 practical tips

  1. Create a relaxing morning routine: add yoga or light exercise activities.
  2. Improve sleep quality: Create a relaxing routine before bedtime.
  3. Write down worries: Writing down what worries you the night before can help reduce morning anxiety.

When to seek help?

If you experience anxiety every morning that affects your daily functioning or if you feel terrible anxiety in the morning, it may be time to consider professional help. Psychologists and therapists can offer support and techniques to manage your anxiety.


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Why do I wake up with anxiety?

Waking up with a feeling of anxiety can be a deeply unsettling experience and can strongly affect the start of your day. This feeling, often called morning anxiety, can have several different causes. To understand why some people wake up with anxiety, it is important to examine both psychological and physiological factors.

Psychological causes

  • Underlying anxiety condition: If you suffer from an anxiety condition, such as generalized anxiety disorder or panic disorder, this can exacerbate the feeling of anxiety in the morning.
  • Stress and worry: Many people find their daily stressors and concerns feel more intense in the morning. These could be worries about work tasks, personal relationships, or health issues that accumulate and become more apparent when you wake up.
  • Depression: Depression and anxiety often go hand in hand. A person with depressive symptoms may have a degree of underlying anxiety, and they may experience heightened anxiety in the morning.

Physiological causes

  • Hormonal changes: In the morning, there is a natural increase in the stress hormone cortisol, known as the ‘wake-up call’. For some, this hormonal change can trigger feelings of anxiety.
  • Sleep quality and patterns: Poor sleep or a disrupted sleep cycle can contribute to morning anxiety, as lack of sleep can exacerbate anxiety symptoms and make it harder to cope with stress.
  • Blood sugar levels: Low blood sugar levels in the morning can also contribute to feelings of anxiety and irritability.

Lifestyle factors

  • Poor morning routines: A stressful morning routine can increase anxiety levels. Thus, a rushed, chaotic start to the day can amplify feelings of anxiety and being overwhelmed.
  • Caffeine and diet: High caffeine intake and poor diet can also exacerbate anxiety symptoms.

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Actions and support

Understanding why you wake up with anxiety is the first step towards managing it. It’s important to identify triggers and work to reduce them. For many people, professional help can be an important part of learning to manage morning anxiety effectively. So contacting a psychologist or therapist is one way to get support and learn techniques to manage these feelings.

When to worry?

If you regularly experience severe anxiety in the morning or if your anxiety turns into morning panic disorder, it is important to seek professional help. Psychologists can help identify the causes of your morning anxiety and work with you to find strategies to manage it.

Summary

Morning anxiety is a challenging experience, but there are steps you can take to reduce its impact on your life. By understanding the causes, recognizing the symptoms, and taking proactive steps, you can begin to manage your anxiety. Remember, if your anxiety feels overwhelming, there is professional help available, and you are not alone. Morning anxiety is a common problem, but our psychologists and therapists offer strategies and support to help you deal with these challenges. Make an appointment for a first conversation with the person you think best suits you.


23 FAQs about Morning Anxiety

Why do I have anxiety in the morning?

Several factors, including biological rhythm disorders, stress, irregular sleep patterns, and psychological conditions such as anxiety disorders or depression can cause morning anxiety. Hormonal changes during the night can also affect how you feel when you wake up. It is important to identify underlying causes to manage this anxiety effectively.

How to get rid of morning anxiety?

Managing morning anxiety often involves a combination of lifestyle changes and coping strategies. Some tips include establishing a regular sleep routine, practising relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation, and avoiding stimulants such as caffeine. Talking to a psychologist or therapist can also help develop effective strategies to deal with anxiety.

Why do you feel worse in the morning?

Many individuals find that they feel worse in the morning due to the natural decrease in the stress hormone cortisol during the night, which can lead to increased anxiety and worry upon awakening. In addition, an accumulation of stress and worries from the previous day can contribute to this feeling.

Can you wake up with anxiety?

Yes, it is possible to wake up with a feeling of anxiety. This can be due to various factors such as stress, anxiety disorders, depression, or other mental health conditions. It is important to seek professional help if you regularly wake up with anxiety, as it could be a sign of deeper issues that need to be addressed.

Is morning anxiety common?

Yes, morning anxiety is a relatively common phenomenon. Many people experience periods of increased anxiety in the morning, which can be linked to stress, hormonal changes, or mental health conditions. It is important to remember that you are not alone in experiencing this and that some strategies and treatments can help.

Does sleep quality affect morning anxiety?

Sleep quality has a major impact on morning anxiety. Poor sleep or lack of sleep can exacerbate feelings of anxiety and worry. Maintaining a healthy sleep routine and ensuring you get enough rest can be crucial in reducing morning anxiety.

Can diet and exercise affect morning anxiety?

Diet and exercise play an important role in managing morning sickness. A nutritious diet and regular physical activity can help improve mental health and reduce anxiety symptoms. Avoiding high amounts of sugar and caffeine can also be beneficial.

What role does daily routine play in managing morning anxiety?

Having a stable and predictable daily routine can be very effective in reducing morning anxiety. Routines can provide a sense of control and stability, which can be reassuring for people experiencing anxiety. Including relaxation techniques and time for self-care in your daily routine can also be helpful.

When to seek professional help for morning anxiety?

If your morning anxiety is persistent, affecting your daily functioning or causing significant stress, it is important to seek professional help. A psychologist or therapist can offer support and treatment options tailored to your needs.

Can morning anxiety be seasonal?

Yes, morning anxiety can be seasonal, especially during the winter months. Less sunlight can affect your body’s routine and mood, which can lead to increased anxiety. Trying to get as much daylight as possible during these months can help.

How can I distinguish between morning anxiety and morning tiredness?

Morning fatigue is often a feeling of physical exhaustion and sluggishness upon awakening, while morning anxiety involves a feeling of worry or nervousness. If you experience anxiety and worry in the morning, rather than just tiredness, it could be a sign of morning anxiety.

Can morning anxiety lead to other health problems?

Constant anxiety, including morning sickness, can eventually contribute to other health problems such as cardiovascular disease, digestive problems and sleep disorders. It is, therefore, important to manage anxiety and seek help if it is affecting your health.

Are there natural supplements that can help with morning anxiety?

Some natural supplements, such as omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, and B vitamins, have been shown to have a calming effect and can help manage anxiety. However, consulting with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplements is important.

How can I talk to my family or friends about my morning anxiety?

Being open and honest is the best way to discuss your morning anxiety with family and friends. Share your experience and how it affects you. Seeking understanding and support from your loved ones can be an important part of your coping process.

Can morning anxiety be linked to dreams or nightmares?

Yes, sometimes, morning anxiety can be linked to dreams or nightmares. Stressful or unpleasant dreams can affect your state of mind when you wake up, leading to feelings of anxiety in the morning. Processing these dreams through therapy or diary writing can be helpful.

Is it normal to feel anxious after a bad morning?

It is quite common to feel anxiety after a difficult morning. Feelings of failure or frustration at being unable to start the day as planned can contribute to these feelings. It is important to be kind to yourself and acknowledge that everyone has challenging days.

Are there specific exercises that can reduce morning anxiety?

Light stretching, yoga, or breathing exercises can effectively reduce morning anxiety. These exercises help release tension in the body and promote a sense of calm and presence, which can relieve anxiety.

Can mindfulness or meditation help with morning anxiety?

Mindfulness and meditation are powerful tools for managing morning anxiety. These practices help to centre the mind, reduce stress, and increase awareness of the present moment, which can reduce feelings of anxiety.

What role does self-care play in the management of morning anxiety?

Self-care is an important part of managing morning anxiety. This includes relaxing, doing fun activities, and getting enough sleep and nutrition. Taking care of yourself both physically and mentally can make a big difference in how you deal with anxiety.

Does social media affect morning anxiety?

Social media can affect morning anxiety, especially if it is used right after waking up. Comparing yourself to others or being exposed to negative news can increase feelings of worry and anxiety. Limiting social media use in the morning and starting the day with more calming activities can be helpful.

How can I adapt my morning routine to reduce anxiety?

Adapt your morning routine by including activities that promote calmness and well-being. This could be things like meditating, journaling, eating a nutritious breakfast, or just allowing yourself some extra time to wake up and get going. Avoiding rushing in the morning can also reduce anxiety levels.

Could morning anxiety be an indicator of something more serious?

While morning anxiety itself does not necessarily indicate a more serious health problem, persistent or very intense morning anxiety can be a sign of underlying conditions such as anxiety disorders or depression. If your anxiety is severe or interferes with your daily life, it is important to seek professional help.

Morning anxiety: Steps to manage and overcome it

Waking up with a feeling of anxiety is a common experience for many people. This so-called morning anxiety can feel overwhelming, but there are strategies to manage and gradually reduce its effect on your daily life. Here is a step-by-step guide to dealing with morning anxiety.

  1. Identify the causes:
    Understand your anxiety: Try to identify what is causing your morning anxiety. It could be stress at work, relationships, financial worries, or health-related issues.
    Write down your thoughts: Keeping a journal can help you identify recurring patterns and triggers.
  2. Create a morning routine:
    Plan your morning: Create a morning routine that includes time for relaxation and positive activities.
    Meditation and breathing exercises: These techniques can help calm your mind and reduce anxiety.
  3. Sleep quality:
    Good sleep hygiene: Ensure you have a regular sleep routine and a comfortable sleeping environment, these are fundamental to good sleep.
    Avoid stimulants: Limit caffeine intake and screen exposure before bedtime.
  4. Healthy lifestyle choices:
    Regular exercise: Physical activity is effective in reducing anxiety and improving mood.
    Balanced diet: A nutritious diet can positively affect your mental health.
  5. Self-help strategies:
    Positive affirmations: Remind yourself of your strengths and successes.
    Keep a gratitude journal: Focusing on positive aspects of your life can change your perspective.
  6. Seek professional help:
    Therapy: Consider talking to a psychologist or therapist. Our service offers contacts with qualified experts both online and in person.
    Support groups: Sometimes, it can help to share experiences with others facing similar challenges.

Remember that dealing with morning anxiety is a process, and it takes time to see change. Be patient with yourself and acknowledge every step you take is a step towards a calmer and more harmonious life. Our therapists and psychologists are happy to support you along the way. You can book an initial consultation as soon as you feel ready.


Written by Samantha Pieterse

Sr. Samantha Pieterse is a registered psychiatric nurse who is deeply committed to mental health and well-being. Samantha brings a unique and valuable perspective to her role as an editor for Lavendla South Africa. She has worked in Government and Private mental healthcare institutions in Gauteng and her expertise ensures that the articles on our website are accurate and accessible. Samantha is dedicated to enhancing mental health awareness and education in South Africa.