Scientists Gain Insight Into A Mysterious Sleep Condition
Paradoxical Insomnia is when people think they’re awake at night, but they aren’t.
Over the years, research has revealed many benefits of sleep, and experts continue to learn more each year. Yet sleep remains largely mysterious. Even though we all know sleep is crucial — we can literally die without it — sleep is also somewhat elusive for many.
Some people struggle to fall or stay asleep, a condition known as insomnia. Yet, despite its commonality, insomnia still perplexs scientists. Thankfully, new research is advancing our understanding of insomnia while also adding another layer to its puzzle.
Insomnia
I generally sleep pretty well, but sometimes, between one and four in the morning, I experience what I call my witching hours when I wake up with my head full of thoughts and my stomach fluttering with illogical anxiety. Thankfully, mental and breathing exercises or light stretching can usually put me right back to sleep. But sleep doesn’t come so easily to everyone.
Many people experience insomnia, which is when they have difficulty either falling or staying asleep, often resulting in feelings of irritability, fatigue, or memory loss the next day.