EDS: This is a special graphic comic presentation from journalist Emily Mai. Please include the resources and sources noted below if you choose to run this. The comic panels have been formatted for use on the web and on social media. 

• Slug: BC-CNS-Insomnia Comic.
• 9 comic panels + cover available (thumbnails below).

By Emily Mai
Cronkite News

Insomnia knows no boundaries for those trying – and failing – to get enough sleep. Those encountering it can be any age, race, gender or income level. It can affect some groups differently – a 2020 study from the National Sleep Foundation said racial discrimination can be a factor in severe insomnia but noted there is little research on the topic.

Common symptoms include trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, waking too early and trouble focusing during the day.

Chronic insomnia can lead to increased risk and severity of long-term diseases or conditions, such as high blood pressure and heart disease, according to the Mayo Clinic. It also can arise at different times of someone’s life, such as when enduring a heavy course load at college, menopause or caregiving.

About 1 in 3 adults globally experience brief insomnia symptoms and about 10% of adults suffer from chronic insomnia, according to Healthline.com. Experts often advise the need to seek help, but time, money or lack of access can hamper that attempt.

Resources

Centers for Disease Control lists several sleep disorder resources
The National Sleep Foundation
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)/Sleep Disorders
The National Sleep Foundation
The Sleep Charity

Content sources

Sleep Difficulties in Adults, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Insomnia, the Mayo Clinic
Insomnia Facts and Stats, Healthline

For more stories from Cronkite News, visit cronkitenews.azpbs.org.