Middle of the night anxiety - Metro

"There's nothing worse than waking up with your heart and mind racing. It all feels incredibly overwhelming but we need to convince our brains that we are safe and this can go a long way to helping. First, recognise that this is anxiety - name it and take away its power. Wiggle your toes and focus on the sensation of your duvet and sheets on your skin. Breathe in for 5, hold for 6, out for 7 and repeat, this kicks in the parasympathetic nervous system to counteract the adrenaline. Write down all your worries in a book (keep it by the side of your bed). By writing them down they are out of your mind and you can review them with a clear head in the morning. If it's a continuing issue then speak with your GP. Try to avoid sleeping tablets and instead look for ways to cope with anxiety." And last, but not least, interrupted sleep can also be a sign of stress and burnout during the day. Spend some time reviewing how busy your days are and look to factor in more rest time to allow your body to come back into balance.

As a person who struggles with anxiety and depression, I use an aromatherapy blend of neroli, rose and Roman chamomile on pulse points, they work together to promote a sense of calm and relaxation when it’s time for bed. It's absolutely fantastic and called "night time Remedies to Roll" by Neal's Yard Remedies.. I liked it so much, I now sell it in the salon to my clients.

By giving the mind a task, we can begin to steady our thoughts and reduce feelings of anxiety. Try placing one hand on the chest, the other on the stomach. Close your eyes and focus on the rise and fall of the breath. If your sleep pattern is being affected by anxiety, then a mental health retreat could be a worthwhile investment. These expert-led programmes are designed to process thoughts and emotions, whilst providing the tools for self-development. Speak to Health Travel for more information on the best sleep programmes around the world.