Anxiety and insomnia: symptoms, causes and which specialist to see
Anxiety and insomnia often come as a pair and are more exhausting than they look from the outside. They are not a "weak character" — they are conditions that are well treated today, with a psychotherapist and, if needed, a psychiatrist.
Common causes
- Chronic stress and overload
- An anxiety disorder, in everyday speech often called "neurosis"
- Depression — often shows as early waking
- Poor sleep habits: screens at night, caffeine, an irregular schedule
- Thyroid disorders
- Side effects of medicines and stimulants
When to seek urgent help
Do not wait for a scheduled visit if you have any of these signs:
- Thoughts of harming yourself — seek help immediately, call 103
- A first-ever panic attack with chest pain — the heart must be ruled out, call 103
- Anxiety with weight loss, tremor, a racing heart
- Insomnia lasting over a month that disrupts work and life
- Hearing or seeing things that are not there
Ambulance: 103 (103 from a mobile) · Unified rescue service: 911
Your specialist
Psychotherapist
What to bring to the visit
- A sleep diary for 1–2 weeks: when you go to bed and wake up
- A list of medicines, sleep aids and your daily caffeine
- A note on what worries you and for how long
- Thyroid test results, if available
Frequently asked questions
What is an anxiety disorder ("neurosis"), and what are the signs?
In everyday speech, "neurosis" means anxiety and stress-related disorders. Besides constant worry, irritability, poor sleep and trouble concentrating, they often cause physical symptoms: a pounding heart, sweating, trembling, muscle tension and nausea. See a psychotherapist, or a psychiatrist if needed; similar signs can come with thyroid problems, so bring your thyroid test results if you have them.
Psychologist, psychotherapist or psychiatrist?
A psychologist counsels and does not prescribe. A psychotherapist treats anxiety and insomnia with talking therapy. A psychiatrist is a doctor who adds medication when needed. Starting with a psychotherapist is a good option.
Panic attacks: which doctor should I see?
A panic attack is a sudden surge of intense fear that peaks within minutes, with a pounding heart, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath or dizziness. If attacks keep coming back, start with a psychotherapist. If it is your first-ever attack and you have chest pain, the heart must be ruled out first — call 103.
Signs of depression: when should I see a specialist?
It is time to get help if for two weeks or longer you feel low most of the day, nearly every day, or have lost interest in things you used to enjoy, along with poor sleep or appetite, low energy or trouble concentrating. See a psychotherapist or a psychiatrist. If you have thoughts of harming yourself, seek help immediately — call 103.
Insomnia: which doctor should I see?
If poor sleep lasts more than a month and disrupts work and life, start with a psychotherapist: common causes are anxiety, depression and an irregular sleep schedule. Bring a 1–2 week sleep diary and a list of your medicines and sleep aids. If others notice loud snoring with pauses in your breathing during sleep, that is a different problem: see an ENT doctor or a pulmonologist.
Is it confidential?
Yes: doctors are bound by medical confidentiality. Seeing a psychotherapist is an ordinary medical visit, like any other.
The information on this page is for reference only and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Only a doctor can make a diagnosis in person. If your condition worsens, call 103.