CrowdScience Why can't I fall asleep?
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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.
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Personal Sleep Struggles
- Assia and Caroline both struggle to fall asleep within 30 to 45 minutes despite trying various methods.
- Their minds race with random thoughts, making it difficult to switch off and fall asleep quickly.
Biological Clock and Sleep Pressure
- Sleep is controlled by a biological clock in the hypothalamus that regulates wakefulness and sleepiness.
- Adenosine accumulates as a sleep pressure molecule, aiding the transition from wakefulness to sleep.
Failed Sleep Lab Nap
- Caroline's brain monitoring showed she never fully fell asleep during a 40-minute nap attempt.
- She experienced hypnagogic state with muddled thoughts and twitches but remained awake on EEG readings.