Hello and welcome to Sleep Deprived Soul, the blog I created for anyone struggling with the nightly battle against insomnia.
I’m Amanda Barnes, and my life is a whirlwind at times.
By day, I work in Human Resources, championing workplace wellness, productivity and diversity. Come evening my favorite role starts, being mum to three boisterous and loving boys.
Amidst these roles is the invisible thread that has woven itself into the fabric of my life for almost 40 years, Insomnia!
Having grappled with insomnia for close to four decades, I’ve become something of a self taught expert. From counting sheep to pharmaceuticals, from soothing herbal teas to white noise generators, you name it, I’ve tried it.
I created Sleep Deprived Soul with two main objectives in mind:
I want to provide you with effective and relatable solutions for insomnia, culled from my extensive personal journey through sleepless nights and groggy mornings. I’ve consulted sleep specialists, delved into the labyrinth of scientific research, experimented with varied holistic practices, and even tweaked my nutritional habits, all in the name of a restful night. I will be sharing all these experiences and insights to hopefully help you avoid some pitfalls and embrace what actually works.
I want to build an engaged community here—a supportive space where we can share our struggles, victories, and even the occasional laugh about the absurdity that insomnia brings to our lives.
Now, let’s talk about the real-world impact of chronic sleeplessness.
For me, the most profound effects have been on my family life. Imagine trying to be fully present for your children when your mind is perpetually clouded with fatigue. Simple dialogues can unintentionally escalate into arguments, and the everyday task of driving them to activities can feel like an insurmountable challenge. These challenges have been an ongoing catalyst, motivating me to explore remedies, from evidence-based methods to anecdotal advice.
In addition to coping strategies and product reviews, I’ll also venture into less-traveled terrains.
This includes dissecting how societal norms and workplace culture contribute to our collective sleep debt. I’ll touch upon the intersectionality of insomnia, looking at how it affects different genders, ages, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Another topic dear to my heart is the symbiosis of mental wellness and sleep. I’ve experienced firsthand how a spiraling mind can ruin any chances of a good night’s rest. I will be exploring mental wellness techniques, think mindfulness, meditation, and emotional regulation—that can play a pivotal role in sleep quality.
So, whether you’re a sleep-deprived parent, a professional burning the candle at both ends, or someone just curious about the enigma that is insomnia, you are welcome here.
Sleep Deprived Soul is more than a blog; it’s a community for open dialogue, resource sharing, and above all, collective healing.
Thank you for joining me on this enlightening, albeit challenging, journey. Your presence here enriches this community, and I’m excited about the shared stories and newfound remedies that lie ahead.
Warmest wishes
Amanda Barnes
Founder, Sleep Deprived Soul