Not sleeping is not normal – Breaking the Insomnia Cycle

Sleep Deprivation in Modern Society – Breaking the Insomnia Cycle Is Far from Common

Sleep, considered by some as death's cousin and by others as a refuge from the harshness of reality, remains a fascinating enigma. Despite the collective desire for it, few can truly claim to master its regenerative power.

In a world that never slows down, sleep deprivation has silently crept into our lives, spreading like a silent epidemic. Many who suffer from it end up normalizing insomnia, while the loudest cries for help often go unnoticed.

The Statistical Nightmare of Insomnia

According to various sleep studies conducted by renowned institutions, a dangerously high number of people suffer from sleep deprivation, which is defined by the World Health Organization as an epidemic.

But why, one asks, is the realm of dreams so elusive for so many?

For modern insomnia, the culprits are numerous: powerful distractions caused by technology, the overwhelming weight of stress and life's obligations, and social changes that increasingly value productivity and waking hours, no matter how fleeting.

These factors lead many people to resort to less healthy forms of escapism, such as alcohol, drugs, tobacco, social media, among others.

You can see more here: "Insomnia Symptoms, Nightmares and Suicide Risk: Duration of Sleep Disturbance Matters", by Michael R. Nadorff, Ph.D., Sarra Nazem, M.S., and Amy Fiske, Ph.D., C.B.S.M.

The Hyperstimulated Society: A Roadmap to Sleepless Nights

The modern world is an incessant carnival of bright colors, loud sounds, and constant movement.

Social media platforms generate a cycle of artificial urgency, the pillars of consumerism create a culture of buying and never sleeping, while the competitive work environment plausibly suggests the superhuman practice of functioning with minimal rest.

Nights are for working hard, naps are for the weak, or so it is said, perpetuating cycles of sleep sacrifice.

The inability to disconnect in such an environment is not a simple personal failure; it is a response to systemic pressures and value distortions that infiltrate the very mortar of our social construction.

The Insidiousness of Normalizing Sleep Deprivation

There is a curious collective masochism that has settled in, where those who manage to burn the proverbial candle at both ends earn bragging rights.

The arrogant ethos of "I'll sleep when I'm dead" underlines a troubling normality that insomnia has been gaining.

Few challenge the narrative that commitment to our sleep is an expected part of the life deal, as if in our contract with modernity, the day is for doing and the night, well, maybe there is no time left for dreams.

Breaking the Stigma: Sleep Is Not for the Weak

This is the first step to saving our sleep and, by extension, our health. Sleep is not a luxury - it is not for the faint of heart, nor is it simply a rest after an overwhelming day.

It is an absolute necessity, and treating it as such is a sign of wisdom and strength.

To combat the stigma, we must change our perception of sleep, promoting the benefits it brings to creativity, health, and productivity, instead of the fear induced by FOMO of missing out on the events of the waking world.

Learning to Rest in a Restless World

Although turning back the technological clock may not be feasible or desirable, mastering the art of rest is a skill that should be perfected.

It's time to reclaim our bedrooms from the clutches of digital devices, to restore the sanctity of sleep against the incessant buzz.

Understanding the sources of our insomnia is essential.

From tangible influences, like the mattress we sleep on, to the intangible demands of our internal clock, there are countless factors that can make the difference between tossing and turning and deep, restorative sleep through the night.

1. The Right Mattress for a Good Night's Sleep

Your mattress may be the key - literally - to your dreams.

Recent studies and consumer reports have highlighted the direct correlation between support, comfort, and the quality of a mattress and the sleep it provides.

It's not just about counting sheep or bedtime stories; the science behind sleep surfaces is quickly coming to light.

We know choosing a mattress can be challenging because there doesn't seem to be widespread knowledge on the topic, so our blog is here to support you in this task. You can check it out here: Guide to Choosing the Best Mattress.

2. Sleep Hygiene: More Than Clean Sheets

Imagine if your bedroom passively prepared you for sleep, with the simplicity of a well-planned room.

This is the essence of sleep hygiene — creating an environment that subconsciously signals to your body that it's time to relax. You can see more here at Bedroom.

From color schemes to clutter, the aesthetics of your resting space can exert a powerful effect on the mind.

3. Powerful Treatments and Technological Detox

In harmony with the environment, routine and habit play fundamental roles in preparing for rest.

Turn off electronics at least an hour before bed, engage in a calming pre-sleep ritual - yoga, reading, meditation - and keep a consistent schedule to help regulate the body's internal clock.

Join the Sleep Circle

We can choose to keep stumbling through our days, driven by caffeine and adrenaline, or we can grab the bull by the calm horns — reclaim the joy, vitality, and promise that each night holds.

It's an invitation to join the Sleep Circle, to promote the idea that a good night's sleep is a supreme act of self-care, not a privilege.

The circle is open and, within it, we will find the determination to redefine our nights and, thus, redefine our days.

It's time to make deep and revitalizing sleep not only possible but the new normal.