Monday Sleep Myth: Insomnia Catch-Up

This is the latest installment of a regular feature here at SleepBetter.org: Sleep Myth Monday, where we bust sleep myths wide open, or verify that they’re true.

Myth or Truth: Insomniacs can’t usually catch up on sleep with an afternoon nap, even if they try.

TRUTH

While each person is different, for those with the type of insomnia that keeps them from getting to sleep, it doesn’t normally matter what time they’re trying to sleep. The same issues that will keep them from sleeping at night (racing brain, worries, inability to settle down, etc.) are likely to keep them from sleeping during the day as well.

The best course of action is to visit a sleep professional to try to get to the root of the problem, and begin a course of cognitive behavioral therapy to try to alleviate the insomnia.