EP266 POST-ELECTION SLEEP LOSS & RELATIONSHIP CONFLICTS – WITH ANDREW COLSKY, JD, LPC

ANDREW COLSKY, JD, LPC, an attorney, mediator, and author, who is also a licensed therapist and sleep expert, returned to the podcast to discuss sleeplessness among Americans due to the 2024 presidential election. The questions posed to him stem from a recent Time Magazine article that referenced “25% of adults have already lost sleep over the U.S. presidential election.”

Some issues raised in the conversation:

Sleep Anxiety and Its Causes:

• Anxiety stems from worrying about unknown future events, such as the impact of a new political leader.
• This anxiety triggers the body’s fight-or-flight response, releasing stress hormones like cortisol and activating the sympathetic nervous system.
• It also reduces the activity of GABA (a relaxation-promoting neurotransmitter) and disrupts serotonin regulation, which affects melatonin production and sleep quality.

Consequences of Sleep Deprivation:

• Lack of concentration and “brain fog”
• Increased risk of accidents due to microsleep episodes
• Potential link between lack of deep sleep (Stage 3) and the buildup of amyloid plaques associated with dementia

Some tips Andrew provides to managing political conflicts:

• Avoid trying to convince others to change their political views, as it is unlikely to succeed.
• Approach discussions with curiosity and open-ended questions to understand others’ perspectives without judgment.
• Focus on discussing ideas and issues rather than attacking individuals.
• Recognize that people have diverse views that may not align with party lines.

And, finally some practical tips for better sleep include:

• Seek professional help for chronic insomnia (3+ nights per week for 3+ months).
• Avoid screens (phones, TVs, tablets) in bed.
• Keep a worry journal to write down concerns before bedtime.
• Establish a relaxing bedtime routine, such as reading a non-political book.
• Maintain good sleep hygiene (comfortable environment, darkness, coolness, etc.).

Andrew’s book on the subject, which answers common questions: