#76 - Insomnia and Popular Media: I Love To Watch Things On TV

Sleep Unplugged with Dr. Chris Winter

Apple TV (not Max as stated in my episode) has a new show about two friends with Insomnia called Still Up. It is another example of the media portraying sleep disorders, but how accurate is the depiction, More to the point, is it a helpful perspective or does it simply perpetuate harmful ideas and stereotypes? In this episode we will:

• Consider the role media plays in illustrating, explaining, and sensationalizing insomnia
• Explore the use of sleep disorders like insomnia and narcolepsy for comedic effect
• Examine the role media plays in terms of disseminating good diagnostic and treatment information for sleep disorders
• Review research that evaluates trends in narcolepsy portrayal in the media
• Discuss Still Up in terms of accuracy and helpfulness in terms of a insomnia portrayal

Produced by: Maeve Winter
More

• Twitter: @drchriswinter
• IG: @drchriwinter
• Threads: @drchriswinter
• Bluesky: @drchriswinter
• The Sleep Solution and The Rested Child

Thanks for listening and sleep well!