CrowdScience
Why can't I fall asleep?
May 2, 2025
Eus van Someren, a sleep expert at the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, dives into the complexities of falling asleep. He explains how our bodies signal when it’s time for rest and what factors can affect this process from childhood. The discussion also unveils the possibility of more sleep stages than previously thought and shares fascinating animal sleep rituals that can teach us about our own bedtime routines. Listeners will also find practical tips for overcoming sleep challenges and enhancing their nightly rest.
28:36
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Quick takeaways
- The sleep-onset difficulty can stem from various factors, including genetics and early life experiences that affect sleep patterns.
- Current research reveals that there may be up to 19 distinct sleep stages, highlighting the complexity of sleep architecture and its impact on sleep quality.
Deep dives
Understanding Sleep Onset Difficulty
Many individuals struggle with the transition to sleep, taking significantly longer to fall asleep than others. Approximately one in three people experience difficulties with sleep onset, and about 10% are diagnosed with insomnia, characterized by either trouble falling or staying asleep. The process of falling asleep is primarily regulated by an area in the brain that functions as a biological clock, responding to environmental cues such as light. As sleepiness builds due to the accumulation of adenosine, which promotes sleepiness, various external and internal factors can interfere, making it harder for some to drift off despite feeling tired.
