Sleep disturbance in anxiety disorders

Anxiety disorders are the most frequent psychiatric disorder with a lifetime prevalence of 29% in the general population. Anxiety-related hyperarousal can often lead to persistent circadian rhythm and sleep disturbances. Patients affected by anxiety disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and phobias, often manifest sleep disturbances or complaints. Sleep disorders/disturbances are commonly associated with anxiety: impaired sleep can damage neurocognitive performance and increase daily anxiety. Restoring a correct circadian rhythm is essential and basic. The study of multiple relationships between sleep disturbances and anxiety symptoms is of considerable importance in medical practice.