Why anxiety feels stronger at night and what the nervous system is doing

As the day slows down, many people notice their anxiety becoming louder instead of quieter. This is not a coincidence. During the day, the mind is occupied by tasks, conversations and external stimulation, which can temporarily mask internal tension. At night, when distractions fade, the nervous system finally has space to express what it has been holding. Thoughts accelerate, the body feels restless, and the sense of calm seems harder to reach. This nighttime anxiety is often the result of an overstimulated nervous system that never fully reset during the day. Physical grounding plays an important role in this moment, as the body responds faster to touch and sensation than to rational thinking. The Kalmaa Ring was designed to act as a gentle physical anchor, offering a subtle signal of safety and presence when the mind becomes active, helping the nervous system ease back into a calmer state before sleep.