Insomnia

Sleep disturbance (too little, too much, or a combination of both) is a symptom in multiple mood and anxiety disorders. The changing of the seasons can also disrupt circadian rhythms, and bipolar episodes of mania or hypomania are notorious for occurring in fall and spring. There is also a, “Within normal limits,” human adjustment experience of being more active during more sunlight, and resting more when it is dark. There is individual variance in sleep needs; some high performers function normally with just 4-5hrs of sleep, whereas another person might dysregulate after losing only 1 or 2 out of their usual 9 hours of sleep.

So what are we to do with occasional cycles of sleep disturbance? Some people may be motivated to try a sleep aid. Some may just let their body do its own thing and eventually restore to a comfortable sleep rhythm. Some may get up and do activities in the night (a common ancient Anglo-Saxon practice before the invention of artificial light) and have a perforated sleep rhythm, or take a compensatory afternoon nap (though this could further dysregulate night sleep). 

My takeaway would be, don’t panic. Becoming reliant on medication or naps every day could have drawbacks, but it’s better than night after sleepless night, which is its own form of torture. There is something to be said for the fact that the human body is not a machine. Western industrialized society promotes the idea of a perfectly punctual, deodorized, robot body that sleeps, performs, and eliminates on command. The human animal is historically not so perfect. Our anxiety about perceived problems in these areas can add more distress to the situation. Try to relax, practice good sleep hygiene, and talk with your doctor if you’re having numerous nights of sleep disturbance.