Insomnia is not:
- Occasional trouble sleeping happens to everyone, but insomnia is a persistent issue that occurs regularly and disrupts daily life.
- People with insomnia often want to sleep but can’t, despite their efforts, due to how their brain or body responds.
- While stress can contribute, insomnia can also stem from medical conditions, habits, or no clear reason at all.
- Ignoring insomnia won’t make it go away; it often needs specific strategies or treatment to improve.
- Someone with insomnia might seem fine during the day, hiding the exhaustion or frustration they feel.
Insomnia is:
- It affects not just sleep but also energy levels, focus, and emotional well-being, making everyday tasks harder.
- Many people experience insomnia at some point, but it can range from short-term (acute) to long-lasting (chronic) depending on the person and situation.
- Options like better sleep habits, therapy, or medication can help manage or resolve it, though what works varies by individual.
- The lack of rest can build up over time, wearing down both the body and mind if left unaddressed.
Common symptoms
The following are some common behaviors for people with Insomnia. They do not apply to all people, as the condition is individual and varies from person to person.
Even when exhausted, people with insomnia may lie awake for hours, unable to drift off.
Sleep may be interrupted by frequent awakenings during the night, making it hard to feel rested.
A lack of quality sleep often leads to feeling drained, sluggish, or sleepy throughout the day.
Sleep deprivation can make emotions harder to regulate, leading to frustration or sadness.
Mental fog or difficulty focusing on tasks is common, as the brain struggles without proper rest.
Some people with insomnia wake up well before they intend to and can’t fall back asleep.
Worrying about not sleeping well can create a vicious cycle, making it even harder to relax and rest.
Restlessness, muscle tightness, or discomfort can keep the body from settling down for sleep.
What can I do?
-
Stop joking about Insomnia These jokes and memes are often insensitive and hurtful to people with the condition. By joking, you’re spreading misinformation and disrespecting people with Insomnia.
-
Spread awareness. Next time you hear a person using the word Insomnia incorrectly or having a stereotypical view of people with Insomnia, send them this page.
-
Support groups for Insomnia. There are many organizations that raise money to support people with Insomnia and their families. Even if you can’t support them yourself, you can help share these groups with others, so they can support these groups.
The contents of this page is based on a Google doc. Feel free to suggest changes.