Sleep Unplugged with Dr. Chris Winter

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

December 04, 2023 Chris Winter
Sleep Unplugged with Dr. Chris Winter
#76 - Insomnia and Popular Media: I Love To Watch Things On TV
Show Notes

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

Thanks for listening and sleep well!