Adnkronos Rome, November 13 (Adnkronos Salute) – In Italy, 1 in 4 adults suffers from sleep disorders, and 10-15% suffer from chronic insomnia, yet the problem is often underestimated or addressed superficially. Yet, sleep deprivation alters nervous system function, weakens the immune system, compromises metabolic and cardiovascular health, and worsens mood, concentration, and social relationships.
Great artists throughout the ages have depicted insomnia as a condition that affects psychophysical balance and emotions: Michelangelo (Night); Goya (The Sleep of Reason Produces Monsters); Munch (Sleepless Night); Dalí (Sleep); and contemporaries Wall (Insomnia) and Bourgeois (Insomnia Drawings). Today, science confirms that good sleep is an ally of health, prevention, and social cohesion, and encourages us to recognize and address insomnia without trivializing it. These are the themes of "Hypnosis – Turning on a Light on the Night," a press conference held today in Milan. Promoted by Neopharmed Gentili, the event featured 15 artworks dedicated to the theme of insomnia, described by Sergio Risaliti, artistic director of the Museo Novecento in Florence, in a dialogue between art and science to refocus attention on the value of sleep as an "invisible cure."
Insomnia—a statement states—can manifest as difficulty falling asleep, frequent nighttime awakenings, early awakenings, or unrefreshing sleep. When the problem recurs for at least three nights a week and lasts for more than three months, it is considered chronic insomnia. "Sleep is a primary need and a powerful preventative measure," explains Carolina Lombardi, director of the Sleep Medicine Center at the Auxologico Italiano IRCCS Institute in Milan. "It protects the cardiovascular system, promotes tissue regeneration, and eliminates waste from our brain, reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. The causes of inadequate sleep can be multiple: anxiety, stress, alterations in the circadian rhythm (sleep-wake cycle), sleep-related breathing disorders, or depression," the expert explains. "The effects affect the entire body: from the nervous system to the immune system, from the endocrine system to the cardiovascular system, influencing emotional regulation, temperature regulation, the sense of hunger and satiety, blood pressure, and heart rate. It is a condition that deserves attention and targeted treatment."
Scientific evidence shows that sleep deprivation increases the risk of psychiatric, metabolic, and cardiovascular disorders. In young people, the coexistence of multiple insomnia symptoms is associated with a higher risk of hypertension in later life. It's no coincidence that the American Heart Association has included sleep among the 8 pillars of cardiovascular health.
"Sleeping poorly doesn't just compromise your health: it also undermines relationships and social cohesion," emphasizes Claudio Mencacci, psychiatrist and co-president of the Italian Society of Neuropsychopharmacology. "There's a bidirectional relationship between sleep and kindness: those who sleep little are more irritable, less empathetic, and more prone to conflict. Good sleep, on the other hand, promotes emotional regulation, and peaceful relationships, in turn, improve sleep quality. However, many patients live with insomnia for months without recognizing it: lack of awareness is the primary obstacle to diagnosis."
To raise awareness of insomnia, the "If You Want to Be Awake, Sleep" awareness campaign is now online. The initiative, promoted by the pharmaceutical company, gathers real-life experiences related to sleep disorders and expert advice to promote a new culture of sleep as an integral part of health. "Insomnia is much more widespread than clinical practice suggests," emphasizes Cesare Liberali, general practitioner at Asst Milano. "Many patients live with the disorder for long periods without discussing it with their doctor, unaware that poor sleep is often a warning sign. Early diagnosis prevents chronicity and allows for the development of an effective and personalized treatment plan. The general practitioner plays a central role in the assessment of insomnia, which begins with a clinical interview and, in more complex cases, may be supported by instrumental tests such as polysomnography. Education in proper sleep hygiene, that set of daily habits that help achieve quality rest, is also essential." Lombardi adds: "International guidelines recommend a gradual approach. It begins with non-pharmacological interventions—lifestyle modification, sleep hygiene, cognitive behavioral therapy—and progresses to specific pharmacological therapies depending on the primary cause of insomnia identified in each case. Therefore, a correct diagnosis is essential, allowing for personalized therapy based on the type of disorder and any comorbidities."
All information and testimonials are available at sevuoiesseresvegliodormi.it, and on YouTube and Spotify. The campaign website lists the network of Sleep Centers in Italy, along with best practices and advice from specialists for promoting restful sleep.