Why You Can’t Sleep Like a Normal Person

In today’s fast-paced world, many people struggle with sleep issues, constantly comparing their sleep patterns to an idealized "normal" standard. As a hypnotherapist, I often encounter clients who stress over their inability to fall asleep quickly or stay asleep through the night. But what is "normal" sleep, anyway? Is it getting eight hours every night, or waking up feeling completely refreshed? The truth is, everyone's definition of good sleep varies, and constantly comparing yourself to others only exacerbates the problem.

One key reason people struggle with sleep is due to this very comparison. Those who don't typically experience sleep problems understand that sleep naturally varies. They don't pressure themselves to achieve perfect sleep every night, recognizing that factors like stress, health issues, or even excitement can affect their sleep quality.

For those who track their sleep with devices, obsessing over slight variations can lead to unnecessary stress. Yes, sleep quantity is important, but so is sleep quality—measured by how refreshed you feel the next day. Some days, even with fewer hours of sleep, you might feel energized due to anticipation of an exciting event.

It’s crucial to stop comparing your sleep to past nights or others’ sleep patterns. Instead, focus on following good sleep hygiene practices and listen to your body. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep, but don’t stress if it takes longer to fall asleep or if you have a restless night. The goal is to wake up feeling rested and ready for the day, not to chase an unattainable perfect sleep.

Remember, sleep is a natural process influenced by various factors. Embrace its variability, and stop pressuring yourself to fit a "normal" mold. Your sleep is unique, and that's perfectly okay.