Sunset Anxiety Disorder – What It Is, Its Symptoms, How to Handle It

Introduction

Sunset anxiety disorder, while technically less well known, is a relatively new development and is getting increasingly present as well: this one is rooted in fearing or worrying about developing an anxiety or panic attack during sunset or during twilight hours. As a type of anxiety disorder, it differs from others in that the causes are extremely specific – the shift from day to night. Like any other anxiety disorder, sunset anxiety can be severe and cause incredible impairments to the functioning of the life of the one affected.

Sunset Anxiety: Symptoms and Causes

Sunset anxiety disorder symptoms typically revolve around fear or dread of sunsets and dusk, including the following:

1. An irrational fear of experiencing an anxiety or panic attack while driving at sunset or twilight.
2. Its restriction of going outdoors or being away from an area that has a free and clear view of sunset.
3. Insomnia that particularly heralds the onset of the night.
4. Sore throat or neck stiffness at sunset time or before going to bed.
5. Vivid perceived somatic sensation during or before sunsets which may include racing, heart palpitations, excessive sweating and trembling and nausea.

Causes of sunset anxiety can be attributed to, including but not limited to:

1. A history of panic attacks or anxiety disorders: Sunset anxiety disorder is also expected to be common in people with a history of panic attacks or anxiety disorders because they are sensitive to triggers.
2. Changes in light levels: Changes in light intensity caused by the sunset can pose a problem to people with sensory processing issues of or illnesses associated with light sensitivity including the seasonal affective disorder.
3. Traumatic experiences: Traumatic experience with the sunsets like a disaster experiences during the dusk, makes this time fearful or dreadful.
4. Sleep-related factors: People, who have some sleep disorders or if they face problems in falling asleep, may state elevated levels of anxiety when passing from the day into the night.

Chronic amelioration management for Sunset Anxiety Disorder

Treatments for sunset anxiety disorder often involve a combination of therapies and lifestyle changes:

1. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT is complicated because it can assist exorbitant apprehension and corrigendum of thought strategies and actions that bring about sunset anxiety. When it comes to sunsets, exposure therapy is a way of coping through sunsets that allows you to slowly reduce your dependence on avoidant coping mechanisms with sunsets.
2. Medication: Sometimes, the physician can recommend the use of drugs for the treatment of anxiety disorders. This could vary from antidepressants for instance the SSRI’s or anti anxiety drugs like the benzodiazepines.
3. Relaxation techniques: To reduce symptoms of anxiety one can practice diaphragmatic breathing, mindfulness, or progressive muscle relaxation.
4. Lifestyle adjustments: Or giving up caffeine and alcohol altogether, or establishing a regular sleep pattern schedule and exercising frequently, can reduce your anxiety symptoms.

Hikes and Excursions to Help Ease Sun Down Stress

Sunset anxiety disorder sufferers are also recommended to do activities to calm them down. The following suggestions can help individuals cope with their anxiety during the twilight hours:

1. Plan sunset watching activities: People can benefit from the sunset by attending to it with people and get a feeling of support. Bike or jog at the beach before the break of dawn, or pack a basket with fruits, sandwiches and snacks and head out to a park or trekking while the sun is setting.

2. Distract yourself with hobbies: One should focus on their hobbies or an activity that the person can do in order avoid highly anxious thoughts. It’s suggested that reading, writing, or even practicing a musical instrument be done in the hours of sunset.

3. Explore virtual sunsets: If this is too much, let digital sunsets, download YouTube videos and screensavers lure you to the lovely sight of the setting sun without the side effects involved.

4. Attend sunset events: At sunset it’s common for citizens to get together, especially to exercise in sun setting yoga, meditate or do a sun setting art class, where you meet people, but also have the luck to experience the dusk.

5. Seek professional support: If the symptomatology associated with sunset anxiety disorder is markedly eradicating your daily functioning then, consulting a therapist or counselor and draw coping mechanisms to tackle the compromising anxiety.

Conclusion

SAAD is a severe but unrecognized form of anxiety disorder that may potentially produce the most detrimental effects on the quality of life. Knowing the signs, sources and therapy will enable an individual to take necessary measures in order to control his/her anxiety and get help where necessary. The novel approach of group therapy and medication Say’s sunset anxiety disorder allows those suffering from this condition to learn how to enjoy the time spent during this time of the day.