 |
Sleep Unplugged with Dr. Chris WinterAuthor: Chris Winter, MD
No holds barred, unscripted discussion on a wide range of sleep topics - from sleep disorders to current research and controversies in the field. No topic is off limits! Dr. Chris Winter is a clinician, a board certified neurologist and double boarded sleep specialist with 30 years of clinical experience. He is the author of The Sleep Solution and The Rested Child, and is a popular consultant and speaker, working for many professional sports teams. He is well known for his unique perspective and ability to demystify sleep, all of which he brings to Sleep Unplugged. Language: en-us Genres: Fitness, Health & Fitness, Medicine Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
Listen Now...
#198: The Loneliness Epidemic and Insomnia: Out by Myself
Sunday, 5 April, 2026
Insomnia is often framed as a nighttime disorder—but what if, for many patients, it’s also a daytime problem of disconnection? As loneliness emerges as a major public health issue, a growing body of research suggests that social isolation and poor sleep may be deeply intertwined, each reinforcing the other in a self-sustaining cycle. Drawing on the work of Vivek Murthy and current sleep science, this episode explores how loneliness affects insomnia, how insomnia may worsen social disconnection, and what interventions actually help. In this episode we will:Review how loneliness and social isolation are defined and why they matter for long-term health Explain the biological and psychological mechanisms linking loneliness to insomnia, including hyperarousal and rumination Examine experimental and longitudinal research showing that poor sleep can increase next-day loneliness and social withdrawal Distinguish between objective isolation, subjective loneliness, and relationship quality—and why that matters clinically Discuss evidence-based interventions including CBT-I, behavioral activation, mindfulness, and structured social engagement Offer a practical framework for identifying and treating insomnia when disconnection is part of the clinical pictureOriginal intro music Vigilanteology by Abhinav Singh (copyright 2026) Original outro music Vigilanteology (reprise) by Abhinav Singh (copyright 2026)Produced by: Maeve WinterMusic by: Dr. Abhinav Singh (@sleep_vigilante), all rights reservedMoreTwitter: @drchriswinterIG: @drchriwinterThreads: @drchriswinterBluesky: @drchriswinterThe Sleep Solution and The Rested ChildThanks for listening and sleep well!
