National Insomnia Day

Person sitting in bed with eyes wide open, holding a pile of books, wearing cozy pajamas, surrounded by glowing stars.. — National insomnia day illustration

Welcome to National Insomnia Day! Get ready to lose sleep in the most fun and exciting way possible. Today, we celebrate all the late-night thinkers, the midnight surfers, and the nocturnal minds. It's a day dedicated to those who find themselves counting more sheep than hours of sleep. So grab your favorite blanket, make yourself a warm cup of tea, and let's dive into the world of insomnia!

When is Insomnia Day?

It's national insomnia day on the 15th May.

A Brief History of Sleepless Nights

Insomnia is not a new phenomenon. People have been tossing and turning for centuries, driving themselves to the brink of despair, all because sleep just won't come. Ancient civilizations even had their own remedies, ranging from herbal teas to reciting poetry to counting stars.

But let's fast forward to the internet era, where sleepless nights took a whole new form. The rise of social media and endless scrolling feeds became the perfect breeding ground for insomnia. Suddenly, it wasn't just about having a restless mind; it was about being addicted to the internet.

We detected a significant spike in online mentions of National Insomnia Day on May 15, 2019. Seems like that night was particularly rough for many people across the web.

Tips for Surviving a Sleepless Night

Whether you're struggling with occasional sleeplessness or are a seasoned insomniac, here are a few tips to help you survive those long nights:

Create a bedtime routine that signals to your brain it's time to wind down. It could be taking a warm bath, reading a book, or practicing some light stretching exercises.
Avoid caffeine and other stimulants close to bedtime. That means no midnight coffee runs or supercharged energy drinks.
Make sure your sleeping environment is comfortable and conducive to relaxation. A good mattress, cozy blankets, and a dark, quiet room can work wonders.
Try relaxation techniques like deep breathing, guided meditation, or soothing music to help calm your mind.
If all else fails, remember that lying in bed worrying about not sleeping only makes it worse. Get up, engage in a quiet activity, and try again later.

Did You Know?

Did you know that some of history's greatest thinkers suffered from insomnia? Leonardo da Vinci, Sir Isaac Newton, and even Thomas Edison were known to have irregular sleep patterns. So, if you find yourself unable to sleep, take comfort in the fact that you're in the company of genius minds (and Thomas Edison for some reason).

History behind the term 'Insomnia'

1623

The Birth of the Term

In the year 1623, the term 'insomnia' was coined by the Latin scholar Isbrand van Diemerbroeck in his medical treatise 'De peste'. Derived from the Latin word 'insomnis' meaning 'sleepless', this term was used to describe the condition of being unable to sleep or experiencing difficulty in falling asleep.

1818

Recognition as a Medical Condition

In 1818, the British physician Thomas Young acknowledged insomnia as a legitimate medical condition in his paper 'Medical Cases and Observations'. Young's work drew attention to the psychological and physiological aspects of insomnia, contributing to its recognition as a significant health issue.

1898

Unraveling the Mechanisms

In 1898, Sigmund Freud, an Austrian neurologist and the founding father of psychoanalysis, explored the psychological roots of insomnia in his book 'The Interpretation of Dreams'. Freud's theories on the subconscious mind and dream analysis provided valuable insights into the underlying causes of insomnia, further deepening our understanding of this sleep disorder.

1953

Classification in Diagnostic Manuals

In 1953, the American Psychiatric Association officially recognized insomnia as a distinct sleep disorder in the first edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). This classification marked a significant milestone in acknowledging the prevalence and impact of insomnia, prompting further research and medical advancements in its treatment.

1999

Emergence of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia

In 1999, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommended cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) as an effective treatment. CBT-I focuses on addressing the behavioral and cognitive factors contributing to insomnia, making it a widely adopted non-pharmacological approach for managing this sleep disorder.

Present

Ongoing Research and Treatment Options

In the present day, ongoing scientific research continues to explore the multifaceted nature of insomnia, investigating various potential causes and treatment approaches. With advancements in sleep medicine, individuals who experience insomnia can benefit from a range of options such as medications, lifestyle changes, and alternative therapies to improve their sleep quality and overall well-being.

Did you know?

Did you know that some of history's greatest thinkers suffered from insomnia? Leonardo da Vinci, Sir Isaac Newton, and even Thomas Edison were known to have irregular sleep patterns.