Solitary Confinement: Sleep All Day, A Reality?

Solitary confinement is a form of imprisonment in which an incarcerated person is isolated from others, often spending 22 hours or more alone in a single cell. The practice has been widely criticised for its negative psychological, physical, and neurological effects, with some human rights experts stating that prolonged solitary confinement may amount to torture. Sleep disturbances are common among those in solitary confinement, with inmates reporting insomnia and chronic lethargy. The monotony and loneliness of solitary confinement can lead to a loss of a sense of self, with some individuals experiencing an extreme breakdown of their identity. While the daily routines of those in solitary confinement can vary, the lack of human contact and stimulation often result in adverse mental health consequences.

Sleep deprivation and insomnia

The constant state of alertness, coupled with oppressive silence and a lack of control over one's environment, can trigger severe anxiety disorders. This anxiety, along with the lack of positive experiences and hopelessness, can lead to depression. As the isolation continues, individuals may experience more severe psychological symptoms, such as hallucinations and psychotic episodes.

The experience of solitary confinement can be so traumatic that many individuals develop symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety reactions can persist long after the period of confinement has ended, making it difficult for individuals to reintegrate into normal life.

The combination of psychological distress, cognitive impairment, and lack of social support resulting from solitary confinement can lead to self-harm and suicidal ideation. Studies have shown that individuals in solitary confinement are several times more likely to engage in self-harm or attempt suicide compared to those in the general prison population.

Lack of human contact

Solitary confinement, a form of imprisonment, involves placing an incarcerated person in a single cell with little to no contact with other people. This punitive tool is used to discipline or separate individuals considered security risks or disruptive. While corrections officials maintain that solitary confinement is necessary for maintaining safety, numerous health professionals have criticised the practice, citing its detrimental effects on the body and brain.

The lack of human contact in solitary confinement can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation. Even a few days in isolation can trigger acute anxiety and depression, with inmates reporting symptoms such as chronic headaches, trembling, sweaty palms, dizziness, and heart palpitations. The stress of prolonged isolation can result in long-term mental and physical health issues, including cognitive disturbances, perceptual distortions, obsessive thoughts, paranoia, and psychosis.

The absence of social interaction can also cause cognitive issues and physical health problems. The intense anxiety and sensory deprivation may lead to extreme weight loss, digestion complications, abdominal pain, neck and back pain, and muscle stiffness due to limited physical activity. The lack of human interaction has been linked to physical changes in the brain, with one study showing a 20% shrinkage in rat neurons after a month of isolation.

The psychological effects of solitary confinement persist even after release. Individuals who have spent extended periods in isolation often struggle to adjust to life outside prison walls, finding public spaces overwhelming and seeking out confined spaces. The risk of recidivism may also increase due to the detrimental impact of solitary confinement on mental health.

In summary, the lack of human contact in solitary confinement can have severe and lasting consequences on an individual's mental and physical health, affecting their ability to function both during and after their time in confinement.

Physical health issues

Spending time in solitary confinement can have a detrimental impact on physical health. Here are some of the physical health issues that can arise from being in solitary confinement:

• Skin irritations and weight fluctuations: People in solitary confinement often experience skin issues like rashes, dry and flaky skin, and fungus due to poor air and water quality, irritating hygiene products, and lack of sun exposure. They may also experience weight loss or gain due to restricted diets and limited physical activity.
• Untreated and mistreated chronic conditions: Solitary confinement can exacerbate existing health issues, such as arthritis, bursitis, sciatica, and chronic illnesses like obesity, hypertension, and asthma. The limited access to medical care and the prioritisation of security over health further contribute to the deterioration of these conditions.
• Musculoskeletal pain: Solitary confinement can lead to persistent and untreated musculoskeletal pain, which interferes with daily activities and affects mental health.
• Vitamin D deficiency: Prolonged lack of sunlight can result in vitamin D deficiency, putting individuals at risk of fractures and falls, especially in older adults.
• Cardiovascular issues: Studies have found an association between solitary confinement and cardiovascular health burdens, including hypertension.
• Increased risk of death: Research has shown that individuals who have spent time in solitary confinement have a higher risk of death within the first year after release, including from suicide, homicide, and drug overdose.
• Eyesight deterioration: Solitary confinement can lead to eyesight deterioration, possibly due to limited natural light exposure.
• Fatigue and lethargy: The stress and isolation of solitary confinement can result in chronic fatigue and lethargy.
• Genitourinary problems: Solitary confinement has been linked to genitourinary issues, although specific details are not provided.
• Hypersensitivity to light and noise: Individuals in solitary confinement may develop increased sensitivity to light and noise, adding to the psychological distress.

Mental health issues

Solitary confinement has been shown to have profound negative effects on mental health. Even a few days in isolation can cause acute anxiety and depression. Inmates often report symptoms similar to those of hypertension, such as chronic headaches, trembling, sweaty palms, extreme dizziness, and heart palpitations. They may also experience insomnia and chronic lethargy. Over time, the stress of solitary confinement can lead to long-term cognitive decline, memory loss, and in some cases, a complete breakdown.

The lack of human contact and sensory deprivation can cause permanent or semi-permanent changes to brain physiology, leading to suicidal ideation and self-harm. Studies have found that individuals in solitary confinement are more likely to engage in self-harm and potentially fatal self-harm than the general prison population. The intense anxiety and sensory deprivation of solitary confinement can also cause physical symptoms such as hypertension, headaches, profuse sweating, dizziness, and heart palpitations.

The psychological effects of solitary confinement can persist long after an individual is released from isolation, affecting their ability to adjust back to life outside of prison. They may experience difficulty in crowds and public spaces, seeking out small, confined spaces instead. The high rates of mental illness among those in solitary confinement have led critics to argue that the practice amounts to psychological torture and should be sharply curtailed or banned.

Loss of identity

Solitary confinement can lead to a loss of identity, with inmates reporting that extended periods of isolation can lead to feelings of extreme social isolation and sensory hypersensitivity. The absence of mirrors in cells has been found to contribute to a loss of identity, with inmates unable to see their own reflection. This can result in inmates feeling that their identity has been taken over by the institution.

Inmates in solitary confinement have also reported feelings of dehumanization due to a lack of human contact. One inmate described how the lack of human interaction can affect their mentality while in solitary confinement:

> "You're not around people. I'm around somebody right now with handcuffs and shackles on like I'm an animal. It's dehumanizing. No human contact. As [a] human being, I feel like we're meant to socialize, and it does have an effect on your mentality while you're sitting in the cell."

The harmful impacts of solitary confinement can also extend beyond the individual, affecting families and communities. Solitary confinement can impede rehabilitation, recovery, and community re-integration, causing adverse long-term consequences for cognitive and adaptive functioning.

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