Do you really know? What Is Orthosomnia, this new sleep disorder?
Mar 3, 2025
Discover the startling rise of orthosomnia, a sleep disorder linked to our obsession with achieving perfect sleep through technology. As smartwatches and gadgets gain popularity, they may actually heighten stress around sleep perfection. The discussion highlights how focusing too much on metrics can overshadow understanding our own bodies' needs. With nearly one in three adults in the UK struggling with insomnia, it's time to rethink how we approach sleep.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
UK Sleep Statistics
- Nearly one-third of UK adults experience insomnia symptoms.
- Despite an average of 7.6 hours of sleep, the pursuit of "perfect sleep" is causing new issues.
Orthosomnia Explained
- Orthosomnia, derived from Greek words meaning "correct sleep," is an obsession with achieving perfect sleep.
- This new sleep disorder arises from the increasing use of sleep-tracking technology.
Don't Obsess Over Sleep Data
- Tracking sleep can improve habits, but obsessing over data can be counterproductive.
- Inaccurate tracker data can lead to irritability and cognitive issues.