I am sure I am not the only one who stayed up all night yesterday just to finish that show on Netflix, and the previous night to finish a section of that book. Healthy sleeping schedule? That thought is right out of the window, and that’s the new normal now. Many of us simply neglect sleep in pursuit of productivity, entertainment, or even sheer habit. It is proven by studies that not getting enough sleep leads to a range of issues mentally, physically and emotionally. But who cares about research these days, right? So, here’s an alternative that might make you understand the gravity of sleep deprivation.
Over time, many filmmakers explored the idea of sleep deprivation through their films which revolved around its consequences on mind and body. A few of them are so mind-blowing that they might leave you reconsidering your own sleep schedule. From psychological thrillers to dramas, here are a few movies that shed light on the importance of rest and the possible horrors of its absence.
Movies That Will Make You Rethink Your Sleep Habits
Insomnia (2002)
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Directed by Christopher Nolan, the movie follows a seasoned detective named Will Dormer, who is investigating a murder in a small Alaskan town. However, after shooting his partner accidentally, Will is guilt-ridden to such an extent that it triggers severe insomnia.
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The entire film revolves around how sleep deprivation can affect judgment, cause paranoia, and lead to psychological breakdowns. Starring Al Pacino and Robin Williams, it is a smart and riveting psychological thriller that is a chilling depiction of how prolonged wakefulness can warp the mind.
Fight Club (1999)
Starring Brad Pitt, Edward Norton, and Helena Bonham Carter, Fight Club follows an insomniac office worker whose lack of sleep leaves him disillusioned with his mundane life. To deal with that, he decides to start an underground fight club with a friend.
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However, as his insomnia worsens, his perception of reality takes a hit and the lines between truth and illusions get blurred. The film explores the idea of how lack of sleep and rest can lead to extreme mental distress, hallucinations, and even identity crises.
The Machinist (2004)
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Starring Christian Bale, the movie follows Trevor Reznik, a factory worker who hasn’t slept in an entire year due to chronic insomnia. This lack of sleep led to extreme paranoia, hallucinations and unsettling interactions with a mysterious figure no one else had seen.
The film explores the devastating effects of prolonged sleep deprivation, such as weight loss, cognitive decline, and an altered sense of reality.
Before I Go To Sleep (2018)
The movie follows Christine Lucas, who wakes up every morning with no recollection of the past. Her ordeal is the result of anterograde amnesia, caused by a traumatic attack she went through. Every night, her brain resets making her lose all the memories of the day and making it impossible for her to retain any kind of memories.
The film also highlights the role of sleep in memory consolidation and explains how without proper rest, the brain struggles to process and retain information. This issue might leave individuals in a perpetual state of confusion and forgetfulness.
Bottomline
These films beautifully highlight the profound impact of sleep deprivation on one’s physical and mental health. From emotional turmoil to memory loss and hallucinations, lack of sleep can wreak havoc in ways we might not even realise. So, before you pull another all-nighter, consider giving these movies a watch, you never know it might just change your sleep habits for the better.