Insomnia
Playlist and Article by: Ben Ramakrishnan
“I've been trying to lay my head down / But I'm writing this at 3 a.m”
Mitski, “Francis Forever”
As stress and tumultuous events build up in our lives, many find that it can be increasingly more difficult to fall asleep at night or stay asleep. Similarly, as young adults grow older, it is not difficult to notice that the majority of teenagers notice that they are sleeping less. Usually, this is due to school and homework, procrastination, mental illness, or general stress. The impact of this sleeplessness grows even larger when it is chronic. This is what we call insomnia.
Insomnia is a sleep disorder that scientists estimate plagues one in four teenagers worldwide. Insomnia encompasses those who are unable to fall asleep or stay asleep at night and those we suffer from both. This disorder can be an absolute curse for those struggling with it on many levels. When we do not get enough sleep to fuel our bodies for the day, we get prone to fatigue throughout the day and it is far more difficult to complete everyday tasks. In fact, studies have shown that the long-term effects of insomnia can lead to depression, chronic fatigue, pain, anxiety, mood issues, and reflux. Those living with insomnia can have a completely drained mood and little to no energy throughout the day because of their lack of sleep. Insomniacs can also have an increased chance of chronic illnesses such as diabetes, depending on how long they have been grappling with the disorder.
“Curing” insomnia is not as easy as simply going to sleep earlier. Insomniacs physically cannot fall asleep or stay asleep to the point that immense exhaustion ensues. Insomnia requires proper care and treatment, as well as compassion and support from friends and family members. Though it is absolutely a battle, insomnia can get better and even go away.
This playlist details the complexities of the thought process of an insomniac. It is well-known that most insomniacs have wild, rushing thoughts at night which do not allow them to sleep. These thoughts are usually dark and heavy and can sometimes be the result of trauma. This playlist shows different stages of these thoughts and how they fluctuate, as well as simply the aspect of tossing and turning at night and staring at one’s bedroom ceiling. It captures all the different possible angles of insomnia and aims to raise awareness about this topic as well as provide support for those dealing with the disorder.
Listen here!
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3I0tSk8XeeCCfCHhjtxxpi?si=UmBJDvpvTHiNz1EjfUTThw&pi=u-XpaKX5K-Q7Cc
