The Shocking Sleep Disorder That's Keeping You Awake At Night - Are You A Victim?

Do you often find yourself staying up all night worrying about sleep? This vicious cycle can be counterproductive, leading to even more sleepless nights and a host of other related problems. Experts say that this behavior could be a sign of an underlying condition, one that affects millions of people worldwide.

This condition is known as orthosomnia, a term coined by Dr. Kelly Baron, a clinical psychologist specializing in behavioral sleep medicine. Orthosomnia is characterized by an obsession with sleep quality and a relentless pursuit of the "perfect" sleep schedule. People with orthosomnia often become fixated on monitoring their sleep patterns, using wearable devices and apps to track their sleep stages, duration, and quality.

While it may seem like a good idea to monitor your sleep, this obsession can actually be counterproductive. Dr. Baron explains that the more you focus on sleep, the more anxious you become, and the harder it is to fall asleep and stay asleep. This creates a self-reinforcing cycle of sleep anxiety and insomnia.

So, what can you do if you think you might have orthosomnia? The first step is to take a step back and assess your relationship with sleep. Ask yourself if your sleep monitoring has become an all-consuming activity. Do you find yourself spending hours each day tracking your sleep, analyzing data, and trying new techniques to improve your sleep quality? If so, it may be time to take a more relaxed approach to sleep.

One strategy is to focus on establishing a consistent sleep schedule and creating a relaxing bedtime routine. This can help signal to your brain that it's time to sleep, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep. It's also essential to avoid screens before bedtime, as the blue light emitted by smartphones, tablets, and computers can suppress melatonin production.

Another approach is to try cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I). This type of therapy has been shown to be highly effective in addressing sleep anxiety and improving sleep quality. A trained therapist can help you identify negative sleep-related thoughts and behaviors and teach you new skills to manage stress and anxiety.

Finally, it's essential to remember that it's okay to have an off night or two. Sleep is not always going to be perfect, and that's normal. By taking a more relaxed approach to sleep and focusing on overall health and wellness, you can break the cycle of orthosomnia and improve your sleep quality over time.