Chronic insomnia isn’t just poor sleep, it’s a disabling brain disorder. I speak with Allison, who lived for decades with insomnia. We explore what insomnia feels like, why it’s underdiagnosed, and what evidence-based treatments help.
The only thing worse than an awful night’s sleep, is two awful night’s sleep. And if they keep adding up, it becomes almost impossible to feel like yourself.
In this episode Dr. Diane McIntosh talks about chronic insomnia through the eyes of Allison, a 52-year-old woman who battled sleepless nights for most of her adult life. From waking up exhausted with “baseballs for eyes”, to shying away from socializing because she was so tired, Allison explains what it’s like to live with a disorder that affects 10% of the population.
Dr. McIntosh breaks down the science behind chronic insomnia, while exploring the vicious cycle of poor sleep and declining mental health. She’s joined by psychologist Dr. Randy Mackoff to talk about treatment. From the dangers of self-medicating to the promising new class of medications, this episode provides both hope and practical solutions for anyone trapped in the exhausting world of sleepless nights.