Pretending to Sleep: A Relatable Struggle Highlighted on Social Media

Many people struggle with insomnia and find themselves employing unusual techniques to fall asleep. One such method, recently highlighted on social media, involves pretending to be asleep. A video by TikTok user @johnridgeway humorously captures this experience, noting, "we literally PRETEND to be asleep in order to actually go to sleep." While the video is lighthearted, it speaks to a broader issue of sleep difficulties, especially among younger generations who often report issues with sleep quality and duration. Experts suggest that creating a relaxing bedtime routine and avoiding screens before sleep are more effective and healthier ways to address insomnia. However, the act of pretending to sleep, while seemingly childish, may serve as a form of self-soothing or a way to trick the mind into relaxation. The video's popularity suggests many find the experience relatable, adding to the ongoing conversation about sleep health and the unique ways people find to cope with sleeplessness.