When Sleep is a Luxury: What Life Looks Like for a Person Who Almost Doesn't Sleep

Insomnia has ceased to be a rarity: one in three people in the world faces insomnia — a sleep disorder that does not go away after a "cup of tea" or advice to "just relax." Behind the statistics are real stories of people whose lives turn into a constant struggle against exhaustion. The publication Metro reported on how people who almost do not sleep feel and why insomnia is still underestimated.

Signs of Insomnia

The symptoms of insomnia include:

difficulty falling asleep
frequent nighttime awakenings
early morning awakening with no ability to fall back asleep
feeling exhausted after sleep
irritability, decreased concentration
inability to nap during the day, even when very tired

If such symptoms persist for three months or longer, it is considered chronic insomnia that requires professional help.

How a Day Looks for a Person with Insomnia

Morning: "Fog in the Head"

For people with insomnia, morning is a continuation of fatigue rather than the start of the day. The body produces an increased amount of cortisol in an attempt to compensate for the lack of sleep. This causes a feeling of "hangover without alcohol," muscle tension, increased sensitivity to pain, and decreased attention.

Day: Fear of Not Sleeping Again

By midday, an obsessive thought arises: "What if I can't sleep again?" This fear alone can lead to another sleepless night. Often, insomnia is associated with anxiety, emotional overload, and the inability to "turn off" the brain.

Evening: Fatigue Exists, Sleep Does Not

By evening, a person is exhausted, but as soon as they lie down in bed, the brain "wakes up": thoughts, worries, memories, internal noise. Sleep does not come.

Why Society Underestimates Insomnia

Despite the scale of the problem, insomnia is often perceived as a temporary difficulty. People with insomnia are reprimanded with phrases like "stop thinking" or "just relax." This only intensifies feelings of guilt. Due to the mindset of "just endure it," many lose their jobs, ruin relationships, and isolate themselves from society.