[xlii]

> My form of insomnia starts with an active mind some evening.

Not a doctor, but I’m very confident that this is ADHD. Sleep disorders are very common, ADHD is linked with a late melatonin onset and evening “buzz” or overexciting are almost textbook examples.

Treatments are there, but needs to be discussed with healthcare professionals. And “don’t change schedule” is a harmful advice. Fatigued driving is as dangerous as driving intoxicated. Some professions and activities require heightened focus as they’re dangerous to themselves and others.

[hinkley]

Chronically tired people with ADHD or on the spectrum are kind of ticking time bombs. I can’t imaging telling them to intentionally get less sleep.

Tied to the buzzing you mentioned, another model of insomnia that is tied to this is intrusive thoughts. They don’t have to be dark to keep you awake, and even a little dark can lead to spiraling. I knew people who would stay up late doing things like play video games and the pattern there was staying awake until exhausted and falling to sleep five minutes after their head hit the pillow.

You could say they were addicted to video games but they were really doing anything they could to stay out of their own heads.