For nearly 29 years, journalist Jennifer Senior considered herself a "brilliant sleeper." However, her life changed dramatically when she developed chronic insomnia. Speaking with host Anita Rao, Senior shares insights from her personal struggle and her research as a staff writer at The Atlantic, where she authored the article “Why Can’t Americans Sleep?”
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Anita also interviews Gabrielle Moss and Jesse Rifkin, a couple whose relationship has been impacted by their own insomnia challenges. They discuss how they navigate their sleep issues together and offer advice for others facing similar struggles in romantic partnerships. Both Gabrielle and Jesse are writers based in New York City.
The episode originally aired on October 10, 2025. Jennifer describes how her insomnia journey began in her late 20s with a sudden inability to sleep, which turned into a long-term struggle. In her early years of insomnia, she tried various remedies, including medication, but often found herself in a state of panic as nights of sleeplessness accumulated. She recalls how initial disruptions transformed into years of coping with insomnia, which is shared by tens of millions of Americans.
Experts suggest that insomnia can be influenced by a range of factors including genetics, mental health issues, and stress. Regardless, it often leads to significant health complications. In her Atlantic article, Senior argues that discussing the negatives of insufficient sleep may not be beneficial for those struggling with insomnia and emphasizes the need to reframe the conversation.
Gabrielle Moss shares insights into her relationship with Jesse, acknowledging how each’s sleep issues affected their dynamic. Jesse, a lifelong insomniac, found that sharing a bed exacerbated their sleep problems. The couple realized they could mitigate disruptions by sleeping in separate beds, which surprisingly improved their intimacy and overall relationship.
With experience, both Jennifer and Gabrielle have gained perspectives on how insomnia can complicate social interactions and relationships, yet they emphasize that understanding and empathy are crucial in navigating these challenges. By sharing their stories, they hope to foster greater awareness about the realities of chronic insomnia.