Battling Insomnia: Strategies To Conquer Sleep Deprivation

Don't Wanna Sleep is a song by the Italian rock band Måneskin. It is track 13 on their album RUSH! (ARE U COMING)?. The song was released on January 20, 2023, and was teased on the band's social media just a few days prior. The lyrics to the chorus are: Dance, dance, dance, dance, dance until I die / Medicate myself 'til my head is in the sky / Oh, oh, when I close my eyes / I get too lonely / Don't wanna sleep at all!. The song is described as energetic and unique by fans.

Dancing to forget loneliness

The song "Dancing with Loneliness" by Schiller, featuring vocals by Kim Sanders, captures this sentiment. The single's cover art features a graphic of a teardrop, alluding to the sadness and isolation that the song explores. The music video, shot in an amusement park, shows people riding alone in empty carriages, a stark contrast to the usual bustling atmosphere of such places. Despite the sombre theme, the act of dancing remains a constant throughout the video, suggesting that even in loneliness, there is a desire to move and express oneself.

Dancing can be a way to connect with oneself and others. As José María R. Olaizola writes in his book, "Dancing With Loneliness", loneliness and connection are not enemies but two facets of everyone's life. Through loneliness, we can learn to bond with ourselves and others, and dancing can be a powerful tool in this process. It allows us to express our emotions and connect with others without the need for words.

The Måneskin song "DON'T WANNA SLEEP" also explores this theme of using dancing as a coping mechanism for loneliness. The lyrics "Dance, dance, dance, dance, dance until I die / Medicate myself 'til my head is in the sky" suggest that the narrator is using dancing as a form of escape from their loneliness. They would rather dance the night away than face the loneliness that comes with sleep.

For some, dancing is a way to forget their loneliness, if only temporarily. It provides an outlet for expression and a way to connect with oneself and others. Whether it is through the music, the movement, or the community that forms around it, dancing has the power to make even the loneliest person feel less alone.

Medicating to escape

The Måneskin song "DON'T WANNA SLEEP" explores the idea of medicating to escape. In the song, the narrator expresses their desire to avoid sleep due to feelings of loneliness and boredom. They sing about medicating themselves to the point where their "head is in the sky", suggesting an attempt to escape their negative emotions through substance use.

This theme of medicating to escape is a common response to insomnia and other sleep disorders. People struggling with sleep issues may turn to medications as a means of finding relief and escaping the cycle of sleeplessness. While prescription medications can be effective in treating insomnia, it's important to approach their use with caution. Self-medication and misuse of sleep aids can have negative consequences and lead to dependence or addiction.

There are a variety of medications available for treating insomnia, including prescription drugs such as Ambien, Lunesta, and Restoril, as well as over-the-counter options like Unisom and ZzzQuil. These medications can help individuals struggling with insomnia to fall asleep and improve their sleep quality. However, it's crucial to use these medications as directed and under medical supervision to minimize potential side effects and risks.

For some individuals, medicating to escape insomnia can become a form of self-medication to cope with underlying issues such as anxiety, depression, or trauma. While the medications may provide temporary relief, they do not address the root causes of the sleep issues. It is important to recognize that insomnia can be a symptom of other mental health concerns, and seeking professional help can lead to a more comprehensive treatment approach that addresses both the sleep disorder and any co-occurring conditions.

Boredom and the desire for new experiences

Boredom is a universal emotion characterised by a lack of interest, stimulation, or challenge. It can manifest in different ways, such as restlessness, apathy, or disinterest. While it is often viewed negatively, boredom can also be a catalyst for creativity and self-improvement. During periods like the COVID-19 pandemic, boredom can push individuals to explore new ideas, discover new interests, and engage in activities like content creation, cooking, and baking.

However, boredom can also have negative consequences. It can lead to decreased productivity, poor mental health, and even physical health issues. Some individuals may resort to self-harm, substance abuse, or risky behaviours to cope with boredom.

The experience of boredom is shaped by cultural and social factors. In traditional communities, work and leisure were often intertwined, and modern capitalism has contributed to the sense of monotony and alienation. The abundance of amusements and consumables has also raised expectations for constant entertainment and interest, leading to disappointment when reality falls short.

Boredom is a complex emotion that can affect mental health, cognition, and behaviour. It is linked to depression, anxiety, substance use, and increased risk-taking behaviour. Recognising and addressing boredom can play a crucial role in promoting mental well-being and preventing negative outcomes.

To conclude, boredom is a multifaceted emotion that can have both positive and negative impacts on individuals. It can drive the desire for new experiences and a need for stimulation, as reflected in the Måneskin song. Understanding and effectively managing boredom can help individuals harness its potential for creativity and self-improvement while mitigating its negative consequences.

Drinking to numb feelings

For some people, drinking alcohol can be a way to escape their problems and emotions. It can provide a sense of relief and freedom from the difficulties of everyday life. In the moment, alcohol can make people feel more confident, outgoing, and carefree. It can also help to suppress difficult emotions such as anxiety, fear, and sadness. However, this sense of relief is only temporary, and the feelings often come rushing back once the effects of alcohol wear off.

It's important to recognize that drinking to numb feelings is often a symptom of a deeper issue. For many people, it can be a way to self-medicate and cope with underlying mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, or trauma. Instead of facing their emotions head-on, they use alcohol as a crutch to avoid dealing with their problems. However, this only provides temporary relief and can often make the underlying issues worse in the long run.

If you or someone you know is struggling with drinking to numb feelings, it's important to seek help. Recognizing that alcohol is not a sustainable solution is the first step. There are healthier ways to cope with difficult emotions, such as therapy, support groups, or alternative coping mechanisms like art, exercise, or mindfulness practices. By addressing the underlying issues and finding more constructive ways to manage emotions, it is possible to break free from the cycle of drinking to numb feelings and build a happier, healthier life.

The appeal of danger and risk-taking

The song's chorus, "Dance, dance, dance, dance, dance until I die", captures the urgency and intensity of the desire to escape boredom and monotony. The singer expresses their willingness to push their body to its limits, suggesting a rejection of self-care and a willingness to embrace risk. This is further emphasised in the verse, "Medicate myself 'til my head is in the sky", indicating a desire to alter their state of mind and escape reality through substance use.

Additionally, the song hints at the allure of danger and risk-taking in social interactions. The singer expresses a desire for intimate connections, as indicated by the lyrics, "Somebody come t-t-take on my body". They seek to find excitement and stimulation through social encounters, embracing the risk of engaging with strangers and the unknown. This can be interpreted as a way to escape loneliness and monotony, even if it means engaging in potentially dangerous or unhealthy relationships.

Overall, 'Don't Wanna Sleep' captures the allure of danger and risk-taking as a means to escape boredom, monotony, and loneliness. The singer embraces the thrill of the unknown, the excitement of pushing boundaries, and the allure of novel and intense experiences. While the song acknowledges the potential risks and negative consequences, it also celebrates the freedom and excitement that come with embracing danger and taking risks.

Frequently asked questions