Celebrities with insomnia. Celebrity Insomnia: Famous Faces Battling Sleep Struggles
How do celebrities cope with insomnia. What causes sleep problems for famous people. Which stars have opened up about their struggles with sleep. How does insomnia impact the lives of high-profile individuals. What treatments have celebrities tried for their sleep issues.
Understanding Insomnia: A Common Struggle Among Stars
Insomnia, characterized by difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, is a prevalent issue that affects people from all walks of life – including those in the spotlight. For celebrities, the glamorous lifestyle often portrayed in the media doesn’t always translate to peaceful nights of rest. Many famous individuals have spoken openly about their battles with sleep problems, shedding light on this universal health concern.
Insomnia can be temporary, triggered by stress or traumatic events, or it can become a chronic condition lasting for months. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine defines chronic insomnia as trouble sleeping at least three nights a week over a three-month period. Various factors contribute to sleep disturbances, including:
- Depression and anxiety
- Emotional upheaval (e.g., divorce, loss of a loved one)
- Medical conditions causing chronic pain or breathing difficulties
- Hormonal changes (e.g., menopause)
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Frequent travel across time zones
For celebrities, the demands of their career – including irregular schedules, pressure to perform, and constant public scrutiny – can exacerbate sleep problems. By sharing their experiences, these stars help raise awareness about the importance of addressing sleep issues promptly and seeking appropriate treatment.
George Clooney: From Chronic Insomnia to Parental Sleep Deprivation
Academy Award-winning actor George Clooney has been candid about his struggles with sleep over the years. In a 2012 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Clooney revealed that he routinely had difficulty falling asleep and would wake up as many as five times per night. This persistent insomnia clearly took a toll on the star’s well-being and productivity.
Interestingly, Clooney’s sleep challenges evolved over time. In a 2017 follow-up interview, just three months after the birth of his twins, the actor shared that his earlier insomnia issues had resolved. However, they were replaced by a new source of sleep deprivation: the demands of caring for newborn babies.
Why do new parents like Clooney experience such significant sleep disruptions? The answer lies in the round-the-clock care required by infants:
- Multiple nighttime feedings
- Frequent diaper changes
- Comforting crying babies
- Adjusting to unpredictable sleep patterns
Clooney’s experience highlights the dynamic nature of sleep issues and how life changes can impact our rest patterns. It also underscores the importance of adapting sleep strategies as circumstances evolve.
Mariah Carey: Bipolar Disorder and Its Impact on Sleep
Renowned singer-songwriter Mariah Carey has long been open about her struggles with sleep. In a 2002 interview with The Guardian, Carey discussed a recent breakdown caused by overwork and exhaustion. She noted her longstanding battle with insomnia, particularly difficulty falling asleep after performances or interviews due to residual adrenaline.
Carey’s sleep issues were further complicated by her demanding schedule, which often required her to wake up after only a couple of hours of rest to speak with international media or attend to other professional obligations. This chronic sleep deprivation undoubtedly contributed to her emotional and physical burnout.
In 2018, Carey revealed a crucial piece of information that shed light on her sleep struggles: she had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2001. Bipolar disorder is known to significantly impact sleep patterns, often causing:
- Insomnia during manic or hypomanic episodes
- Excessive sleepiness during depressive episodes
- Irregular sleep-wake cycles
- Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
Fortunately, Carey reported in her 2018 People magazine interview that she was receiving treatment that allowed her to feel more balanced without experiencing excessive fatigue or sluggishness. This improvement in her overall well-being likely had a positive impact on her sleep quality as well.
Chuck Palahniuk: Insomnia as a Creative Muse
Author Chuck Palahniuk, best known for his novel “Fight Club,” offers a unique perspective on insomnia. In an article for The Guardian, Palahniuk proposed the theory that sleeplessness could serve as a source of inspiration for creative individuals like himself.
Palahniuk suggests that writers often draw inspiration from experiences related to shock or suffering, with insomnia being one such powerful catalyst. He even credits his own bout of sleeplessness for inspiring “Fight Club,” a novel featuring a protagonist who grapples with insomnia due to job stress and frequent travel.
The author recounts a personal experience from 1993 when he found himself stranded in Reno, Nevada, without money or accommodation. During sleepless nights wandering through casinos and restaurants, Palahniuk conceived the idea for his now-famous novel. This anecdote illustrates how challenging circumstances and sleep deprivation can sometimes fuel creative output.
While Palahniuk’s perspective is intriguing, it’s important to note that chronic insomnia can have severe negative impacts on health and well-being. Creative individuals should seek balanced approaches to managing their sleep while nurturing their artistic pursuits.
The Hidden Toll of Insomnia on Celebrity Lives
While the glitz and glamour of celebrity life may seem appealing, the reality of chronic sleep deprivation can take a significant toll on these public figures. Insomnia and other sleep disorders can impact various aspects of a celebrity’s life and career:
- Physical health: Lack of sleep can weaken the immune system, increase the risk of chronic diseases, and exacerbate existing health conditions.
- Mental well-being: Sleep deprivation is closely linked to mood disorders, anxiety, and decreased cognitive function.
- Performance: Inadequate rest can affect a celebrity’s ability to memorize lines, maintain energy during long shoots or concerts, and deliver their best work.
- Public image: Fatigue can lead to irritability or mistakes in public appearances, potentially damaging a star’s reputation.
- Personal relationships: Chronic sleep issues can strain interactions with family, friends, and colleagues.
Understanding these challenges helps contextualize the importance of celebrities speaking out about their sleep struggles. By sharing their experiences, they not only humanize themselves but also contribute to destigmatizing sleep disorders and encouraging others to seek help.
Innovative Sleep Solutions for High-Profile Individuals
Celebrities often have access to cutting-edge treatments and innovative solutions for their sleep problems. Some of the approaches that have gained popularity among high-profile individuals include:
- Sleep coaching: Personal sleep experts who provide tailored advice and strategies for improving rest quality.
- High-tech sleep gadgets: Advanced sleep tracking devices, smart mattresses, and environmental control systems designed to optimize sleep conditions.
- Customized sleep environments: Specially designed bedrooms with features like blackout curtains, sound-proofing, and climate control to create ideal sleep spaces.
- Alternative therapies: Acupuncture, meditation, and other holistic approaches to addressing sleep issues.
- Specialized dietary plans: Customized nutrition regimens aimed at supporting better sleep through optimal nutrient intake.
While these solutions may not be accessible to everyone, they highlight the importance of a multifaceted approach to addressing sleep problems. Many of the principles behind these high-end treatments can be adapted for use by the general public.
Lessons from Celebrity Sleep Struggles: What We Can Learn
The experiences of celebrities battling insomnia offer valuable insights for anyone dealing with sleep issues. Here are some key takeaways:
- Prioritize sleep: Despite busy schedules, making time for adequate rest is crucial for overall health and performance.
- Seek professional help: Don’t hesitate to consult sleep specialists or mental health professionals if sleep problems persist.
- Address underlying issues: Treating conditions like anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder can significantly improve sleep quality.
- Develop a sleep routine: Establishing consistent sleep habits can help regulate the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle.
- Be open about struggles: Sharing experiences with sleep issues can reduce stigma and encourage others to seek help.
- Explore various solutions: What works for one person may not work for another, so be open to trying different approaches to improve sleep.
By learning from these high-profile cases, individuals can gain valuable perspectives on managing their own sleep challenges and prioritizing rest in their lives.
The Role of Lifestyle Factors in Celebrity Sleep Patterns
The unique lifestyle of celebrities can significantly impact their sleep patterns. Various factors contribute to the sleep challenges faced by those in the public eye:
Irregular Schedules
Celebrities often work unconventional hours, with early morning shoots, late-night performances, or international travel disrupting normal sleep-wake cycles. This irregularity can make it difficult to establish consistent sleep patterns.
High-Stress Environments
The pressure of public scrutiny, tight deadlines, and high-stakes performances can lead to increased stress and anxiety, both of which are known to interfere with sleep quality.
Frequent Travel
Jet lag from crossing multiple time zones can severely disrupt circadian rhythms, making it challenging to maintain regular sleep schedules.
Social Obligations
Red carpet events, after-parties, and other social engagements often extend late into the night, pushing back sleep times and reducing overall sleep duration.
Substance Use
The prevalence of alcohol and other substances in celebrity circles can negatively impact sleep quality and contribute to insomnia.
Understanding these lifestyle factors helps contextualize the sleep challenges faced by celebrities and highlights the importance of developing strategies to counteract these disruptions.
The Impact of Social Media on Celebrity Sleep Habits
In the digital age, social media has become an integral part of celebrity life, bringing with it new challenges for maintaining healthy sleep habits:
- Constant connectivity: The pressure to stay active on social platforms can lead to late-night scrolling and posting, disrupting natural wind-down routines.
- Blue light exposure: Prolonged use of smartphones and tablets before bed can suppress melatonin production, making it harder to fall asleep.
- Mental stimulation: Engaging with fans or responding to comments can keep the mind active when it should be preparing for rest.
- Anxiety and comparison: Social media can fuel anxiety and FOMO (fear of missing out), leading to restless nights.
- Time zone differences: Global fan bases mean celebrities may feel pressured to be available at all hours, further disrupting sleep patterns.
Celebrities who successfully manage their sleep often implement strict social media boundaries, such as device-free periods before bedtime or delegating social media management to their teams during off-hours.
The Intersection of Mental Health and Sleep in Celebrity Lives
The relationship between mental health and sleep is particularly relevant in the context of celebrity experiences. Many high-profile individuals have opened up about their struggles with both sleep disorders and mental health conditions, highlighting the complex interplay between these issues:
Anxiety and Insomnia
The pressure of maintaining a public image and meeting professional demands can exacerbate anxiety, which in turn can lead to difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. This creates a vicious cycle where lack of sleep further increases anxiety levels.
Depression and Hypersomnia
While insomnia is a common symptom of depression, some individuals may experience hypersomnia – excessive sleepiness or prolonged sleep duration. This can be equally disruptive to daily life and professional obligations.
Bipolar Disorder and Sleep Disruptions
As seen in Mariah Carey’s case, bipolar disorder can significantly impact sleep patterns. Manic episodes may lead to reduced need for sleep, while depressive episodes can result in oversleeping or insomnia.
PTSD and Night Terrors
Celebrities who have experienced trauma may suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can manifest in sleep disturbances such as nightmares or night terrors.
Recognizing the close relationship between mental health and sleep quality underscores the importance of a holistic approach to treatment. Many celebrities have found success in addressing both aspects simultaneously through therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes.
Innovative Sleep Technologies Embraced by Celebrities
As sleep science advances, celebrities are often early adopters of cutting-edge technologies designed to improve sleep quality. Some innovative solutions gaining popularity among high-profile individuals include:
- Smart mattresses: Beds equipped with sensors to monitor sleep patterns and adjust firmness, temperature, and position for optimal comfort.
- Light therapy devices: Gadgets that emit specific wavelengths of light to help regulate circadian rhythms and combat jet lag.
- Noise-masking systems: Advanced white noise machines or in-ear devices that create personalized soundscapes to promote better sleep.
- Sleep-tracking wearables: High-tech devices that monitor various physiological markers to provide detailed insights into sleep quality and duration.
- Virtual reality relaxation: VR headsets offering immersive, calming environments to aid in pre-sleep relaxation.
While these technologies can be helpful tools in managing sleep issues, it’s important to note that they should complement, not replace, fundamental sleep hygiene practices and professional medical advice when needed.
The Economic Impact of Celebrity Sleep Struggles
Sleep issues among celebrities can have significant economic implications, both for the individuals themselves and the industries they work in:
Personal Financial Consequences
Chronic insomnia or other sleep disorders can lead to:
- Decreased productivity and work quality
- Missed opportunities due to fatigue or illness
- Increased healthcare costs for treatment
- Potential loss of endorsements or contracts if sleep issues affect public image
Industry-Wide Effects
Sleep problems among high-profile talent can impact entire production schedules and budgets:
- Delays in film or TV productions due to sleep-related health issues
- Cancellation of concerts or appearances, resulting in refunds and lost revenue
- Increased insurance costs for productions featuring talent with known sleep problems
Market Opportunities
On the flip side, celebrity experiences with insomnia have also created new market opportunities:
- Development and promotion of sleep-related products endorsed by celebrities
- Growth in the sleep technology and sleep coaching industries
- Increased public awareness leading to higher demand for sleep-related healthcare services
Understanding these economic factors provides additional context for why addressing sleep issues is crucial not only for personal health but also for professional sustainability in the entertainment industry.
Celebrities Who Struggle With Sleep and Insomnia
A glamorous lifestyle doesn’t automatically come with high-quality R and R. These celebrities have talked about struggling with sleep (and in some cases insomnia).
By Katherine LeeMedically Reviewed by Chester Wu, MD
Reviewed:
Medically Reviewed
A-list status does not come without its (sleep) problems.
Getty Images; AP Photo; Shutterstock
Insomnia is one of those universal equalizers that can affect everyone and anyone. Insomnia has a simple definition: It means having difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. It can be a temporary, short-term problem caused by stress or a traumatic experience. Or insomnia can become persistent or chronic, meaning that you have trouble sleeping at least three nights a week in a three-month period, according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.
Factors that can contribute to insomnia are ones that we all might face at some point in our lives: depression, anxiety, going through an emotionally upsetting event such as divorce or the death of a spouse, or having certain medical conditions (such as those that cause chronic pain, like arthritis, or those that cause breathing problems, like asthma). Menopause and hot flashes, or gastrointestinal problems such as heartburn, are other conditions that can contribute to insomnia, according to the National Institutes of Health. And traveling frequently across different time zones can wreak havoc on sleep, too.
If you have problems with sleep, it’s important that you get help as soon as possible. Unaddressed sleep problems tend to get worse and get tougher to treat the more habitual they become.
In the meantime, know that there are a lot of people out there struggling with sleep just like you, including these celebrities who have helped raise awareness about how debilitating not sleeping can be, and why it’s so important to get help.
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George Clooney
Nathan Denette/AP Photo
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter in 2012, the actor, director, and producer George Clooney revealed that he routinely has a “tough time getting to sleep,” and that he woke up as many as five times per night. In another interview with The Hollywood Reporter in 2017, which was published three months after the birth of his twins, Clooney shared that he had resolved his earlier issue with insomnia, but that it had been replaced by another source of sleep deprivation: being a parent of newborns.
As any parent of young children knows all too well, duties like multiple feedings and diaper changes in the night can do a number on a night’s sleep, and with twins, Clooney and his wife, Amal Clooney, were no doubt getting far short of the rest they needed, according to what he told The Hollywood Reporter.
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Mariah Carey
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The singer-songwriter Mariah Carey has talked about her search for sleep for many years. In a November 16, 2002, interview with The Guardian, Carey discussed having a recent breakdown caused, she said, by working too much.
“’The bottom line is that I was severely exhausted,” Carey said. “I’ve always had trouble with insomnia. It’s more falling asleep than staying asleep, especially when I’ve been performing or doing interviews — there’s a certain amount of adrenaline that goes along with that — and when I’d finally unwind and go to sleep I’d be woken in another couple of hours to speak to someone in Australia, and then they’d say ‘Oh, there are just a couple more reporters and they’re going to ride with you in the car,’ and there was no downtime. ”
In 2018, Carey revealed that she had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2001, which was likely the root cause of her earlier sleep problems. In an interview with People in 2018, she noted that she was getting treatment that doesn’t make her feel tired or sluggish anymore, and that she is “in a really good place.”
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Chuck Palahniuk
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In an article he wrote for The Guardian, the author Chuck Palahniuk shared his theory about insomnia being a sort of muse for creative people like himself. Palahniuk, well-known for his novel Fight Club, about a protagonist who suffers from insomnia because of job stress and frequent travel for work, suggests that writers are inspired by things that are related to shock or suffering. “Fasting works. Rejection, too. Insomnia works wonderfully,” Palahniuk wrote.
According to Palahniuk, Fight Club was inspired by his own insomnia. “In 1993, I found myself stranded in Reno, Nevada, with no money and nowhere to stay,” Palahniuk wrote. “At night I wandered sleepless through the empty all-night casinos and restaurants, exhausted, delirious, and inventing a story about a man who thought he had insomnia but was actually living a double life: whenever he thought he was asleep, his alter ego would venture forth to have all the adventures he, himself, could never consciously dare.”
Palahniuk recognized, though, that the insomnia lifestyle is not a healthy one. “To be honest, Ambien helps me sleep more nights than I care to admit — although I’m uncertain about the quality of that sleep,” he wrote.
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Renée Zellweger
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Jet-setting to different parts of the world for filming and premieres may sound glamorous. But the constant travel that comes with making and then promoting a film (constantly shifting time zones and sleeping in unfamiliar places) in reality can be a recipe for insomnia. In 2005, the actress Renée Zellweger shared with W magazine that because of her busy schedule, she often didn’t have time for sleep.
Recalling a 10-day promotional tour for Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason that had her traveling to 10 countries, Zellweger told W, “Your body doesn’t quite register that you’re supposed to eat at a certain time, or that it’s time to sleep.”
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Roxane Gay
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Roxane Gay has written short stories, criticism, essays, and more, including the 2014 collection of essays Bad Feminism, and her 2017 memoir, Hunger. Across multiple pieces, Gay has written about her struggle with insomnia. In a 2014 interview with Specter Magazine, she said, “I suffer from insomnia.”
In an August 2019 interview with Medium’s Elemental, she added that she is a “night owl” and gets most of her work done from about 7 or 8 p.m. until 2 a.m. “I try to go to bed before midnight, but that rarely happens.”
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Kim Cattrall
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Kim Cattrall has spoken publicly about her battles with insomnia, which has affected her ability to work. In 2015, the actress pulled out of a play she was scheduled to perform in at London’s Royal Court Theatre. The reason, she later disclosed, was insomnia, the BBC reported in 2016.
In an interview with BBC Radio, also in 2016, Cattrall described her insomnia as “like being pinned down by a three-ton gorilla.” She also shared part of her diary entry from her stay in London in which she wrote, “I think I’m losing the ability to think clearly. Words are harder to remember without sleep. I can’t grasp, hold on, to ideas, thoughts, even tasks. They’re slipping away from me since I got here and I can’t sleep. … Without sleep, there is no way to wash away the debris that collects throughout any given day, no way to clear and cleanse the thoughts that bracket morning through night.”
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Jennifer Aniston
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In a 2016 interview with HuffPost, the actress Jennifer Aniston spoke about her struggles with insomnia and what habits have helped improve her sleep. Aniston described her insomnia experience as being like having a “committee in my head,” she noted. “If I wake up at 3 in the morning, I just start having conversations and they won’t shut up and then I can’t get back to sleep.”
“I think it started somewhere in my thirties or even earlier, but you just don’t start to notice the effects of a lack of sleep when we’re younger because we’re so invincible,” she added to People in 2022. “It began as something that I would just accept and then all of a sudden you realize the effects of your lack of sleep and how it affects your day and your work and your mind function and your physique.”
One thing that further fueled her insomnia? Watching the clock, “a big no-no,” because then she started obsessing about the time that was passing by. “And the more I worry about it, the harder it is to fall asleep,” she said.
Aniston told HuffPost some things that have helped her with insomnia include sleeping with the phone at least five feet away, doing a quick meditation before getting into bed, and doing some stretches and yoga poses. She also recommends turning off electronic devices an hour before turning off the lights.
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Pete Wentz
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The Fall Out Boy musician Pete Wentz opened up to Rolling Stone in April 2013 about how his sleep issues led to his abuse of Xanax and Klonopin. “I was probably physically and mentally addicted,” he said. “It started from insomnia and anxiety from flying, then it spiraled.”
Eventually he became paranoid. “I was scared of everything. I thought there were always people listening to me,” he confessed. “Like, I had my house searched for bugs. It was crazy.”
Since then Wentz has opened up about dealing with bipolar disorder in a 2015 interview with HuffPost. He takes care of himself, he explained, by exercising, meditating, talking things through, and having a schedule with his family.
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Christina Applegate
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Christina Applegate has been outspoken about her insomnia, and has worked to help others who are struggling to sleep. In 2017 she told Self magazine that she had struggled with insomnia for 20 years. “I could sleep a couple hours and then be up for four hours and then fall asleep again right before my alarm goes off,” she said.
She says learning more about insomnia, and which daytime and nighttime routines can contribute to it, has helped her make changes that have helped her sleep. “I didn’t even realize that the contributing factors to my insomnia were simple things that I could start to change,” she told Self. Some things that have helped include: a five-minute bedtime meditation and staying off her phone before sleep (and if she wakes up during the night).
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Rihanna
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Singer and actor Rihanna has discussed her sleeping troubles in multiple interviews. In the December 2017 issue of Vogue Paris the singer revealed that her racing mind is the culprit. “I have a lot of trouble switching off,” she said.
“Even when I get home early, which means before 1 a. m., I start binge-watching shows or documentaries, which I love. I can’t go straight to bed. As a matter of fact, I only sleep three or four hours a night.”
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Jennifer Lopez
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Singer and actor Jennifer Lopez is regularly praised for being one of the hardest working celebrities in Hollywood. However, in a 2022 edition of her newsletter, On the JLo, she revealed how her nonstop lifestyle led to serious health issues, Vanity Fair reported in July.
“There was a time in my life where I used to sleep three to five hours a night. I’d be on set all day and in the studio all night and doing junkets and filming videos on the weekends,” she wrote. “I was in my late twenties, and I thought I was invincible.”
One day while spending time in her trailer on the set, the lack of sleep caught up with her. She “went from feeling totally normal to thinking about what I needed to do that day — and all of a sudden I felt as if I couldn’t move,” she continued.
“I was completely frozen,” she said. She noted that it affected her vision and walking. She feared she was going insane, but maintains it was a “classic panic attack brought on by exhaustion.” She went to the doctor, and she asked him if she was going crazy.
“He said, ‘No, you’re not crazy. You need sleep.'” He explained that she was suffering from severe exhaustion and needed to sleep for seven hours or more. “I realized how serious the consequences could be of ignoring what my body and mind needed to be healthy — and that’s where my journey to wellness began,” she said.
With additional reporting by Leah Groth.
Celebrities with Sleep Disorders – Sweet Sleep Studio
70 million-plus Americans suffer from sleep deprivation. Celebrities are not immune.
Below is a list of celebrities and sleep disorders in which they have admitted to suffering from.
Insomnia is a consistent problem with falling asleep and staying asleep. It is the most common sleep disorder in as many as 70 million Americans at some point in their lives. It has been reported that 10 – 15% of the population suffers from chronic insomnia and that women are 3 times more likely to suffer bouts of insomnia than men.
Celebrities with Insomnia:
Madonna
In an interview with Rolling Stone Magazine Madonna discusses how she has been plagued with decades long insomnia stating “…one of my assistants just found one of my journals from 1991. I’m complaining the same way about not being able to sleep in 1991 as I am right now. Like, some things never change…”
George Clooney George Clooney has admitted on various occasions that he doesn’t sleep well. His mind will race and to turn it off he will watch TV to drown out his thoughts. Sleep experts know this isn’t the best way for insomniacs to get sleep and would most likely suggest he go through some cognitive behavior theory to treat his insomnia.
Lady Gaga
Similar to Madonna in more ways than one, Lady Gaga also suffers from sleep deprivation. Her ability to perform consistently weighs heavy on the star and in 2017 she was quoted saying by the UK’s OK! Magazine “…my passion is so strong I can’t sleep – I haven’t slept for three days.”
Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common form of sleep apnea. This condition happens during sleep when your breathing stops periodically in the night for a few seconds. These lapses in breathing can occur for up to ten seconds or more and can happen up to hundreds of times a night in severe cases.
Rosie O’Donnell
Rosie O’Donnell was diagnosed with sleep apnea in 2007. She openly discussed her diagnosis when she was a co-host on The View. Her polysomnogram revealed she had 200+ micro-awakenings a night and once stopped breathing for 40 seconds.
Shaquille O’Neal
In 2015 Shaquille O’Neal (Shaq) was featured in a sleep apnea video created by the Division of Sleep Medicine at the Harvard Medical School. This video in an excellent resource to learn about sleep apnea and its effects, what to expect from a polysomnogram (sleep study), and how important it is to find the perfect CPAP mask to fit your face.
Reggie White
Reggie White, known as the “Minister of Defense” was a famous NFL hall of famer, part time minister, WWE wrestler and twice named NFL Defensive Player of the year. In 2004, White was at home when he suffered a fatal cardiac arrhythmia (heart attack) compounded by complications of sleep apnea. Untreated sleep apnea creates great stress on the heart. He was 43. His memory continues in the form of The Reggie White Foundation for sleep disorder research and education.
Restless Leg Syndrome is a neurological disorder that is characterized by a persistent, sometimes overwhelming need to move one’s legs. The need to move the legs is often (but not always) accompanied by unpleasant sensations in the legs that can range from mildly unpleasant to quite painful.
Jon Stewart
Not only did Jon Stewart state he suffers from insomnia he also revealed he suffers from restless leg syndrome or what he joking refers to it as “the Jimmy Legs”.
Keith Olbermann
Keith Olbermann reflects about his restless nights and interview with President Bush in a 2008 interview with the New Yorker. Olbermann left the NBC News election studio on May 13th, having spent five hours on the air, co-anchoring coverage of the West Virginia Democratic primary. He had a short ride home from Rockefeller Plaza to his condominium, and he was in bed by 2 A.M. But he lay wide awake, overcome by an urge to get up and move about. He had been given a diagnosis of Wittmaack-Ekbom’s syndrome, also known as “restless-legs syndrome,” a neurological disorder that produces a prickling, itching, or crawling feeling in the legs, profoundly disturbing sleep.
Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder where the brain does not have the ability to regulate sleep-wake cycles normally. Those with narcolepsy experience bouts of extreme daytime sleepiness and sudden uncontrollable urges to sleep that can come about at any time.
Winston Churchill
Winston Churchill is the most famous narcoleptic “You must sleep sometime between lunch and dinner… Take off your clothes and get into bed… You get two days in one. Well, at least one-and-a-half.”
Jimmy Kimmel
Comedian and Late Night Talk show host, Jimmy Kimmel, discussed his narcolepsy in a column for Esquire magazine back in 2013: “I have a pretty mild case with no other symptoms. Some narcoleptics experience cataplexy, which is a limpness in the arms and legs. I don’t have that. I’d like to, though. It sounds great.”
A parasomnia is abnormal or unwanted behavior of the nervous system during sleep. They can include sleepwalking, night terrors, sleep paralysis, sleep talking and bedwetting to name a few.
Florence Welch
Florence Welch (lead singer from Florence and the Machine) spoke about her childhood sleep terrors to the Irish Independent saying, “I have it when I’m tired or stressed, or over-tired. My body just keeps me on overdrive. I’m just dreaming loads. I can’t quite sleep in a dark room by myself, because I’m always imagining something creeping in the dark corner, or looking through the window.”
Jennifer Aniston
Jennifer Aniston is an apparent sleep walker. She discussed how her sleep walking scared her then-husband Brad Pitt: “I sleepwalk. I set off our alarm once. I was outside…and I was out by the pool equipment in the back. I don’t know what I was doing. I heard this yelling because he’s terrified, he hears the alarm and I’m not there!”
If you live in the Kansas City area and are looking for a quality sleep clinic or a board certified sleep doctor to help you with your sleeping problems, contact Sweet Sleep Studio @ 913-309-5963 to connect with Sleep Specialist, Dr. Abid Bhat, who can help you determine if a sleep study is right for you. If you want to get a feel for the kind of services we provide and check us out in person click here for a list of our facilities and locations.
5 celebrities with sleep disorders
Walking along the red carpet in the rays of world fame, they often seem inaccessible to diseases and problems that bother “ordinary mortals”. But in fact, they, like many adults, are prevented from sleeping by worries and a busy schedule. Poor sleep, in turn, can lead to obesity, diabetes, heart disease … So which of the stars toss and turn at night? And what can you learn from their experience?
Walking along the red carpet in the rays of world fame, they often seem inaccessible to diseases and problems that bother “ordinary mortals”. But in fact, they, like many adults, are prevented from sleeping by worries and a busy schedule. Poor sleep, in turn, can lead to obesity, diabetes, heart disease. .. So which of the stars toss and turn at night? And what can you learn from their experience?
Rihanna: Sleepless on social media
The singer often flickers on Twitter and opens up about her sleep problems. For example, after completing her 2011 world tour, she wrote, “Waited all year. Finally, there is free time, time for rest and relaxation. Suddenly my thoughts drowned out the silence! Can’t sleep” and later started adding the hashtag #GOtoSLEEPRObyn to some of her tweets.
When you surf the internet, check your email, or tweet before bed, signals are sent to your brain that interfere with your natural sleep processes.
George Clooney: Blue Screen Nights
The Oscar-winning actor told reporters about how difficult it turns out for him to fall asleep without a TV. “One has only to turn it off, as all sorts of thoughts begin to bother me. But even with the noise of the TV, it’s hard for me to sleep. I usually wake up five times a night “.
Although many people say that they sleep better with the TV on, it actually disrupts the normal flow of sleep. Your brain continues to react to everything that happens around you, even when you are sleeping.
Lady Gaga: Evening Overclocking
There is no doubt that the pop star is truly passionate about everything she does. But it is precisely this excitement that deprives her of peace. “My passion is so strong that I can’t sleep – I haven’t slept for three days,” she says. “I lie in bed and try to pray and breathe. I have a very hyperactive mind .”
Whether you really mean 72 hours of uninterrupted insomnia or just three nights of bad sleep, sleep deprivation can have serious consequences. For example, a slow reaction, which can be life-threatening when you are driving.
Shaquille O’Neal: Forgetting to breathe
The basketball giant agreed to undergo a sleep apnea test at the insistence of his companion, who was alarmed by his snoring – at night it seemed to her that his breath was interrupted.
Sleep apnea, which is associated with temporary pauses in breathing during sleep, is common in people who are overweight and/or have a thick neck. With his height of 216 cm and 147 kg of weight, Shaquille, of course, falls into their number. Now he will have to resort to CPAP therapy (artificial lung ventilation) and breathe through the mask at night, like Darth Vader. The star plans to wear it at night, and jokingly says that she can also go out into the city in it.
Sandra Bullock: Mothering
After the appearance of her adopted son Louis, the actress’s sleep time was drastically reduced. She admits that she was content with only three hours a night, but it was not difficult. “ I don’t want to give someone else the pleasure of changing [him] diapers, ,” she says, “there’s nothing difficult about loving Louis.”
It may be true, but Sandra’s lack of sleep can actually hurt little Louis. In order to provide the best possible care for the baby, parents should first of all not forget about themselves.
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TOP 9 celebrities who suffer from insomnia
Insomnia is a condition in which you cannot sleep. It can be a temporary short-term problem caused by stress or traumatic experiences, or it can be permanent or chronic if you have trouble sleeping at least three nights a week over a three-month period.
Factors that can trigger insomnia include depression, anxiety, experiencing an emotional event (divorce or death of a spouse), or the presence of certain medical conditions (eg, chronic pain from arthritis, or breathing problems from asthma). Menopause, fever, gastrointestinal problems, and frequent travel can also contribute to insomnia.
If you have trouble sleeping, it is important to get the help you need as soon as possible. But beyond that, we want you to know that you are not alone. Plenty of people around the world struggle with insomnia just like you, including celebrities who have helped raise awareness about how debilitating sleep deprivation can be and why it’s so important to seek help.
George Clooney
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter in 2012, actor, director and producer George Clooney revealed that he has trouble sleeping, and even if he manages to fall asleep, he wakes up at least five times a night. In another 2017 interview published three months after the birth of his twins, Clooney said he had resolved his previous insomnia issue, but now a new cause of sleep deprivation has come into his life – newborns.
Any parent of young children knows full well that duties such as multiple feedings and changing diapers at night interfere with normal sleep, and in the case of George and his wife Amal, the situation is complicated by the arrival of two newborns at once.
Mariah Carey
Singer-songwriter Mariah Carey has spoken many times about her sleep problems. In an interview with The Guardian on November 16, 2002, she revealed that due to the large amount of work, she does not always get to sleep.
The problem is that I am very emaciated. I’ve always had trouble sleeping. I have a hard time falling asleep, especially if I’m giving a speech or an interview (both of which involve a certain amount of adrenaline), and when I finally get to bed, I’m woken up a couple of hours later because someone from Australia is calling. And so constantly.
In 2001, Carey was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, which is likely the main cause of her regular sleep problems. In an interview with People last month, she noted that she is undergoing treatment that has relieved her of fatigue and lethargy, and now she feels much better.
Chuck Palahniuk
In an article he wrote for The Guardian, writer Chuck Palahniuk shared his theory about insomnia, which is a kind of muse for creative people like himself (Palahniuk, best known for his novel Fight Club) , whose protagonist suffers from insomnia due to stress and work, suggests that the writers are inspired by things associated with shock or suffering).
Fasting is effective. Rejection too. Insomnia works great!
According to Palahniuk, Fight Club was inspired by his own insomnia.
In 1993, I found myself in Reno, Nevada, with no money and no accommodation. At night, I wandered aimlessly through deserted nightlife casinos and restaurants, exhausted, in a state of delirium, and made up a story about a man who thinks he has insomnia, but in fact he lives a double life: whenever he thinks he is sleeping, his alter ego goes free to go through adventures he himself would never have dared.
However, Palahniuk admitted that such a lifestyle cannot be called healthy, so he sometimes resorts to sleeping pills.
René Zellweger
Flying around the world for filming and premieres can seem glamorous. But the constant travel associated with making and promoting a film (jumping time zones and sleeping in unfamiliar places) actually often causes insomnia. In 2005, actress Renee Zellweger told W magazine that her busy schedule often means she doesn’t get enough sleep. Recalling her 10-day promotional tour for Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason, during which she visited 10 countries, Zellweger said:
My body couldn’t figure out whether it needed more sleep or food.
Roxane Gay
Roxane Gay writes short stories, feature stories and more, including her 2014 collection of essays Bad Feminist and her 2017 memoir Hunger. Among other things, Gay has written about her struggle with insomnia. In a 2014 interview with Specter Magazine, she explicitly stated that she was suffering from the condition. She has also stated this on Twitter in the past:
I’m so tired of insomnia. I don’t sleep well. Hope I can sleep tonight.
Kim Cattrall
Kim Cattrall also spoke publicly about her battles with insomnia that affected her ability to work. In 2015, the actress stopped playing in the play, with which she was supposed to perform at the Royal Court Theater in London. The reason, according to her, was insomnia.
In an interview with BBC Radio, Cattrall said she felt “like she was crushed by a three-ton gorilla”. She also shared an entry from her diary about her time in London:
I seem to be losing my ability to think clearly. I have a hard time remembering words. I can’t grasp my ideas, thoughts, and even tasks. They have been eluding me since I came here and I can’t sleep… Without sleep, I can’t get rid of the thoughts I’ve accumulated all day.
Jennifer Aniston
In a 2014 interview with HuffPost, actress Jennifer Aniston opened up about her struggle with insomnia and what habits have helped her sleep better. Aniston described her insomnia as “a meeting in her head.”
If I wake up at three in the morning, conversations start in my head that I can’t stop, so I can’t sleep.
Aniston said that turning off her phones, a quick meditation before bed, stretching and a few yoga poses helped her cope with insomnia. She also recommends turning off electronic devices an hour before turning off the lights.
Pete Wentz
According to Contact Music, Wentz (Fall Out Boy) in September 2009year wrote on his Twitter the following:
Can’t sleep. Not a single security guard or babysitter in sight. Mission Impossible. We need to start a club for insomniacs.
Some time later, Pete found out that he had bipolar disorder, which he admitted in a 2015 interview with HuffPost. Now he actively takes care of his health: he trains, meditates, communicates with a psychotherapist and spends more time with his family.
Christina Applegate
After Christina Applegate spoke candidly about her insomnia, she began to help those who also struggle with it. In 2017, she told Self magazine that she had been battling insomnia for 20 years.
I could fall asleep for a couple of hours, and then wake up at four in the morning and not sleep until the morning.
She collaborated with the Why So Awake? and a sleep awareness program to help others recognize and address insomnia.