Why is it so hard for some people to fall asleep

For the first time, scientists from the University of South Australia have tracked how the nature of mental activity changes during the day in people with insomnia compared to healthy adults. The study was conducted under strict laboratory control: 32 elderly volunteers (16 with chronic insomnia and 16 healthy) spent 24 hours in bed, staying awake, in dim light and without external stimuli. This made it possible to completely eliminate the influence of habits, gadgets, lighting and other factors, and to see the clean operation of the internal biological clock.

Every hour, the participants described what thoughts they were having, how emotionally charged they were, and whether it was easy to get distracted from them. In both groups, natural diurnal fluctuations were observed: more active thinking in the afternoon, less in the early morning. People with insomnia have noticeable features.

Firstly, their brains did not switch to a calm mode in the evening as clearly as in healthy people. After lunch, thoughts became more and more focused, working — and this level of activity persisted until nightfall, when the brain normally has to turn off plans, problem solving and emotional assessments.

Secondly, the peak of mental activity in people with insomnia is shifted about six and a half hours later than normal. This means that their internal clocks keep them awake exactly when the body is trying to fall asleep.

According to Professor Kurt Lushington, head of the study, insomnia is a condition in which the brain does not receive a strong signal that it is time to turn off. As a result, a person lies in bed, and thoughts continue to work as if there is still half a day ahead.

Colleagues of the scientist note that this opens up new ways to treat insomnia — not only through the usual cognitive-behavioral techniques, but also through correction of circadian rhythms. It can be daylight at the right time, a clear daily routine, working with a change in the tone of thoughts, and mindfulness practices that help the brain learn to gently reduce activity before bedtime.

The authors emphasize that insomnia is a complex condition, and its causes can be different. But understanding exactly how the internal rhythms are disrupted will help create more accurate, individual methods of help.