Sleep Hysteria: Are We Too Obsessed?

The current wellness industry's focus on sleep has escalated into an obsession, leading to anxiety and 'orthosomnia,' a fixation on achieving perfect sleep. This phenomenon is fueled by advice on how we 'should sleep' and data from sleep trackers, often highlighting a gap between ideal and actual sleep patterns.

Historically, sleep was less of a concern, but recent scientific understanding has linked sleep quality to mental and physical health. This has led to a proliferation of sleep aids, trackers, and influencers. However, this heightened focus can be detrimental for individuals experiencing sleep disruption due to external factors like illness or caregiving responsibilities.

The concept of 'sleep privilege' highlights that sleep opportunities vary among individuals. The widely cited 'eight-hour myth' is inaccurate, as sleep needs differ significantly between people and across life stages. Similarly, constantly monitoring sleep can paradoxically disrupt it, leading to worry over perceived insufficient 'core sleep.'

While effective treatments exist for serious sleep disorders like insomnia, such as digital therapeutics like Sleepio, the article suggests that for those without severe issues, a simpler approach is needed. Peeling back the layers of exaggerated advice and tracking may lead back to a healthier, more natural relationship with sleep, potentially marking the next wellness trend.