Member-only story
I’m one of the many who claim to have some sort of insomnia. While I’ve never sought out a diagnosis or taken medication, I have much more difficulty getting to sleep than the average person.
Coupled with the prevailing message in the world that sleep is essential for functioning, this is not a good situation to be in. These insomniac nights make up some of my most vivid memories. I remember last year how I would often sit up until 2 am (while I intended to go to bed at 10:30 pm), reading the newspaper or just laying in bed waiting for my mind to shut off.
During the orientation week for my college, I (again) intended to go to bed at 10 pm only to struggle to get any sleep until 5 am the next morning.
These are some of the more extreme examples. Usually, my insomnia means that I just can’t get to bed until 1 am. And before you start telling me all the things I should do before bed, I can assure you I already do them.
I put away my phone 90 minutes before sleeping. I take a warm shower. I read a book and settle down. I don’t stay in bed for more than 20 minutes if I can’t fall asleep. I meditate. I don’t eat close to my bedtime. I sometimes take melatonin. I do it all.
There was something else causing my issues with sleep. And it’s not talked about enough.
