Celebrities with insomnia. Celebrity Insomnia: Famous Faces Battling Sleep Struggles
How do celebrities cope with insomnia. What causes sleep problems for the rich and famous. Why do some stars struggle to get a good night’s rest. Which famous personalities have opened up about their battles with sleeplessness.
The Universal Challenge of Insomnia: Even A-Listers Aren’t Immune
Insomnia, a condition characterized by difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, doesn’t discriminate based on fame or fortune. Even those living seemingly glamorous lifestyles can find themselves tossing and turning at night, proving that sleep troubles are indeed a great equalizer.
But what exactly constitutes insomnia? The American Academy of Sleep Medicine defines chronic insomnia as trouble sleeping at least three nights a week over a three-month period. This persistent sleep disruption can have significant impacts on daily life, regardless of one’s status or occupation.
Common Causes of Insomnia
- Stress and anxiety
- Depression
- Traumatic life events
- Chronic pain conditions
- Breathing problems
- Hormonal changes (e.g., menopause)
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Frequent travel across time zones
These factors can affect anyone, from the average person to the most celebrated stars. The key difference? Celebrities often have a platform to share their experiences, potentially raising awareness and encouraging others to seek help for their own sleep struggles.
George Clooney: From Chronic Insomnia to New Parent Sleep Deprivation
Oscar-winning actor and filmmaker George Clooney has been candid about his battle with sleep issues. 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 undoubtedly affected his daily life and work in the demanding entertainment industry.
Interestingly, Clooney’s sleep challenges evolved over time. By 2017, he reported that his earlier insomnia had resolved, only to be replaced by a new sleep disruptor: parenthood. Following the birth of his twins with wife Amal Clooney, the actor found himself facing a different kind of sleep deprivation, one familiar to many new parents.
The Cycle of Celebrity Sleep Struggles
What can we learn from Clooney’s experience? It highlights the dynamic nature of sleep issues, showing that:
- Sleep problems can change over time
- Resolving one sleep issue doesn’t guarantee future restful nights
- Life changes (like becoming a parent) can dramatically impact sleep patterns
- Even those with resources and support can struggle with sleep
Mariah Carey: The Interplay of Insomnia, Mental Health, and Career Demands
Mariah Carey, the iconic singer-songwriter known for her five-octave vocal range, has also grappled with sleep issues throughout her career. Her journey illustrates the complex relationship between insomnia, mental health, and the pressures of a high-profile career in the music industry.
In a 2002 interview with The Guardian, Carey opened up about a recent breakdown, attributing it to severe exhaustion exacerbated by chronic insomnia. She described her struggle: “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.”
The Impact of Bipolar Disorder on Sleep
Carey’s sleep struggles took on new context in 2018 when she revealed a bipolar disorder diagnosis from 2001. This disclosure shed light on the potential root cause of her earlier sleep problems, as bipolar disorder is known to significantly impact sleep patterns.
What’s the connection between bipolar disorder and insomnia?
- Manic episodes can lead to reduced need for sleep
- Depressive episodes may cause oversleeping or insomnia
- Sleep disturbances can trigger or exacerbate mood episodes
- Medication side effects may impact sleep quality
Carey’s experience highlights the importance of addressing underlying mental health conditions when tackling sleep issues. In her 2018 interview with People magazine, she reported being in “a really good place” with treatment that didn’t leave her feeling tired or sluggish, suggesting an improvement in both her mental health and sleep quality.
Chuck Palahniuk: Insomnia as a Creative Catalyst
While many view insomnia as a purely negative experience, author Chuck Palahniuk offers a different perspective. The renowned writer, best known for his novel “Fight Club,” has suggested that insomnia can serve as a muse for creative individuals.
In an article for The Guardian, Palahniuk proposed that writers often find inspiration in experiences related to shock or suffering. He boldly stated, “Fasting works. Rejection, too. Insomnia works wonderfully.” This viewpoint presents a unique take on sleeplessness, framing it as a potential wellspring of creativity rather than solely a burden.
From Personal Experience to Literary Masterpiece
Palahniuk’s own bout with insomnia directly inspired “Fight Club,” a novel featuring a protagonist who suffers from insomnia due to job stress and frequent travel. The author recounted a pivotal moment in 1993 when, stranded in Reno, Nevada, he found himself wandering sleeplessly through all-night casinos and restaurants. It was during this period of exhaustion and delirium that he conceived the idea for his groundbreaking novel.
This anecdote raises intriguing questions about the relationship between sleep deprivation and creativity:
- Can insomnia unlock unique mental states conducive to creative thinking?
- Does the altered perception during sleeplessness offer new perspectives for artistic expression?
- Is there a balance to be struck between harnessing insomnia’s creative potential and maintaining overall health?
While Palahniuk’s experience suggests potential creative benefits to sleeplessness, it’s crucial to note that chronic insomnia can have severe negative impacts on physical and mental health. His perspective offers food for thought but should not be taken as encouragement to forgo sleep in pursuit of creativity.
The Science Behind Celebrity Sleep Struggles
While celebrities may seem to lead charmed lives, the very nature of their careers can contribute to sleep difficulties. Understanding the science behind these struggles can shed light on why insomnia might be particularly prevalent among the rich and famous.
Circadian Rhythm Disruptions
Celebrities often face unique challenges to maintaining a regular sleep schedule:
- Frequent travel across time zones (jet lag)
- Irregular work hours (late-night performances, early morning interviews)
- High-pressure events disrupting normal routines
- Exposure to blue light from screens during late-night social media engagement
These factors can significantly disrupt the body’s natural circadian rhythm, making it difficult to establish consistent sleep patterns. The circadian rhythm, often referred to as our “internal clock,” regulates the sleep-wake cycle and is influenced by environmental cues like light exposure and meal times.
Stress and Anxiety
The pressures of maintaining a public image and dealing with constant scrutiny can lead to heightened stress and anxiety levels among celebrities. This psychological strain can manifest as:
- Racing thoughts when trying to fall asleep
- Increased muscle tension, making relaxation difficult
- Elevated cortisol levels, disrupting natural sleep-wake cycles
- Worry about public perception affecting sleep quality
These stress-related factors can create a vicious cycle, where lack of sleep increases stress, which in turn makes quality sleep even more elusive.
Coping Strategies: How Celebrities Manage Their Sleep Issues
Despite the challenges, many celebrities have found effective ways to address their sleep problems. Their strategies often combine professional medical advice with lifestyle adjustments and can offer insights for anyone struggling with insomnia.
Seeking Professional Help
Many celebrities emphasize the importance of consulting sleep specialists and mental health professionals. This approach can include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I)
- Medication management when appropriate
- Addressing underlying mental health conditions
- Sleep studies to identify specific sleep disorders
Lifestyle Modifications
Celebrities often share the lifestyle changes that have helped improve their sleep:
- Establishing consistent sleep schedules, even with irregular work hours
- Creating relaxing bedtime routines
- Limiting caffeine and alcohol intake
- Regular exercise, but not too close to bedtime
- Mindfulness and meditation practices
- Optimizing sleep environments (dark, cool, quiet rooms)
Technology and Sleep Aids
Some celebrities have turned to various sleep aids and technologies:
- White noise machines or apps
- Blackout curtains or sleep masks
- Weighted blankets
- Sleep tracking devices to better understand sleep patterns
- Blue light blocking glasses for evening screen use
While these strategies can be helpful, it’s important to note that what works for one person may not work for another. Consulting with a healthcare professional is crucial in developing a personalized approach to managing insomnia.
The Impact of Celebrity Insomnia Disclosure on Public Awareness
When celebrities speak openly about their struggles with insomnia, it can have far-reaching effects on public perception and awareness of sleep issues. This transparency serves several important functions:
Destigmatization
By sharing their experiences, celebrities help normalize conversations about sleep problems and mental health. This openness can:
- Reduce shame and embarrassment associated with insomnia
- Encourage others to seek help for their own sleep issues
- Promote understanding of insomnia as a legitimate health concern
Education
Celebrity disclosures often lead to increased media coverage of sleep health topics, providing opportunities to:
- Share accurate information about insomnia and its treatments
- Highlight the importance of good sleep hygiene
- Discuss the relationship between sleep and overall health
Advocacy
Some celebrities use their platforms to advocate for:
- Improved access to sleep health resources
- Increased research funding for sleep disorders
- Workplace policies that prioritize employee sleep health
- Education about the dangers of drowsy driving
By leveraging their influence, celebrities can bring attention to sleep health issues that might otherwise be overlooked in public health discussions.
Lessons from Celebrity Insomnia: What Can We Learn?
The experiences of celebrities with insomnia offer valuable insights for anyone grappling with sleep issues. Here are key takeaways from their stories:
1. Insomnia Doesn’t Discriminate
Sleep problems can affect anyone, regardless of fame, wealth, or success. This universal nature of insomnia underscores the importance of addressing sleep health as a society.
2. Early Intervention is Crucial
Many celebrities emphasize the importance of seeking help early. Addressing sleep issues promptly can prevent them from becoming chronic and more difficult to treat.
3. Holistic Approaches Often Work Best
Successful management of insomnia often involves a combination of medical treatment, lifestyle changes, and addressing underlying mental health concerns.
4. Persistence Pays Off
Finding the right solution for insomnia may take time and experimentation. Celebrities’ stories often highlight the importance of not giving up and continuing to work with healthcare providers to find effective treatments.
5. Openness Can Lead to Support
By sharing their experiences, many celebrities have found support and connection with others facing similar challenges. This openness can be beneficial for anyone dealing with insomnia.
6. Sleep Health is Integral to Overall Well-being
Celebrity accounts often underscore how poor sleep can impact all aspects of life, from work performance to personal relationships. This reinforces the critical role of sleep in maintaining overall health and happiness.
In conclusion, while the lifestyles of celebrities may seem far removed from those of the average person, their struggles with insomnia reveal the universal nature of sleep challenges. Their stories not only raise awareness about the importance of addressing sleep issues but also offer hope and practical insights for anyone seeking to improve their sleep health. By learning from these high-profile experiences, we can all take steps towards better understanding and managing our own sleep needs, ultimately leading to healthier, more restful lives.
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.
2434
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.
2435
Mariah Carey
Noam Gala/Getty Images
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.”
2436
Chuck Palahniuk
Franco Origlia/Getty Images
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.
2437
Renée Zellweger
Mike Marsland/Getty Images
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.”
2438
Roxane Gay
Thos Robinson/Getty Images
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.”
2439
Kim Cattrall
Mike Marsland/Getty Images
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.”
2440
Jennifer Aniston
Lionel Hahn/AP Photo
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.
2441
Pete Wentz
Getty Images
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.
2442
Christina Applegate
Michael Tran/Getty Images
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).
2443
Rihanna
Shutterstock
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.”
2444
Jennifer Lopez
Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images
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.
Back to articles
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.