The one change that worked: meditation cured my insomnia – and transformed my relationships

TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:

"Meditation as a Solution for Chronic Insomnia and Its Impact on Personal Relationships"

The one change that worked: meditation cured my insomnia – and transformed my relationships analysis cover image The Guardian 6.3
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Original Article Source: https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2025/jun/09/the-one-change-that-worked-meditation-cured-my-insomnia-and-transformed-my-relationships
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AI Analysis Average Score: 6.3
These scores (0-10 scale) are generated by Truthlens AI's analysis, assessing the article's objectivity, accuracy, and transparency. Higher scores indicate better alignment with journalistic standards. Hover over chart points for metric details.

TruthLens AI Summary

In late 2018, the author faced a severe bout of insomnia that left them feeling delirious and on the brink of a dangerous accident. This was not a typical sleepless night but an ongoing struggle characterized by brief periods of restless sleep. Previous attempts to find relief, including hypnosis and prescription sleeping pills, had failed. The author even tried an eight-week cognitive behavioral therapy course designed to address insomnia, which involved keeping a sleep diary and adjusting their bedtime routines. However, these methods only increased their frustration rather than providing a solution. Ultimately, the breakthrough came when the author turned to meditation, a practice they had previously dismissed as unappealing. Using a meditation app, they learned to observe their thoughts without judgment and to focus on bodily sensations, which helped alleviate the tension that contributed to their insomnia.

As the author incorporated meditation into their daily routine, they noticed significant improvements in their sleep quality and overall mental clarity. They began to dread bedtime less and could sleep for longer stretches, sometimes up to six hours. This newfound calmness allowed the author to reflect on their life more objectively, leading to the difficult decision to divorce. Meditation also proved beneficial in navigating the challenges of dating post-divorce, providing a sense of grounding amid the emotional chaos. Furthermore, the practice positively influenced their parenting, reducing irritability and fostering patience during stressful family dynamics. The author acknowledges that meditation has transformed their perspective on vulnerability and emotional well-being, expressing gratitude for the insomnia that ultimately led them to this life-changing practice.

TruthLens AI Analysis

The article presents a personal narrative about overcoming severe insomnia through meditation, highlighting the transformative effects this practice has had on the author’s sleep quality and relationships. It illustrates a journey from frustration and despair to finding relief through an unexpected method, inviting readers to consider the potential benefits of meditation.

Purpose Behind the Publication

The intent behind sharing this experience seems to be to encourage others struggling with insomnia or similar mental health issues to explore meditation as a viable solution. By detailing the author's struggles and eventual success, the article aims to destigmatize meditation, presenting it not just as a trend but as a legitimate practice that can foster significant change in one’s life.

Community Perception

The article likely seeks to cultivate a positive perception of meditation, especially among those who may have dismissed it as a superficial or niche practice. It aims to broaden the appeal of meditation to a wider audience by associating it with tangible benefits, like improved sleep and enhanced emotional well-being.

Potential Omissions

While the article focuses on the positive outcomes of meditation, it does not delve into any potential drawbacks or limitations of this practice. This could lead to an overly simplistic view of meditation as a cure-all, which might overlook the complexities of insomnia and other mental health conditions.

Credibility of the Claims

The narrative is grounded in personal experience, which lends it a degree of authenticity. However, the reliance on anecdotal evidence can limit its generalizability. The transformation described may not be replicable for everyone, making it essential for readers to approach the advice with a critical mindset.

Societal Implications

This article could contribute to a growing acceptance of mindfulness and alternative therapeutic practices in society. As more individuals seek holistic approaches to health, there may be a shift in how mental health is addressed in both personal and clinical contexts. Additionally, it may influence public discourse around traditional versus alternative medicine.

Target Audience

The piece is likely to resonate with individuals interested in self-improvement, mental health, and wellness. It may appeal particularly to those who are skeptical of conventional medicine or who have experienced dissatisfaction with it, thus aligning with communities that advocate for alternative therapies.

Economic and Market Impact

While the article primarily addresses personal well-being, a broader acceptance of meditation could influence the wellness industry, potentially boosting demand for meditation apps, courses, and related products. Companies in this sector may see a rise in interest and investment, impacting stock prices of relevant businesses.

Relevance to Current Events

As discussions around mental health gain prominence, the article aligns well with contemporary issues, particularly in light of the increasing stress levels in modern society. It serves as a timely reminder of the importance of mental health and the exploration of diverse coping mechanisms.

AI Influence on the Narrative

There is no clear indication that AI was used in crafting this article. However, if AI tools were employed, they might have assisted in structuring the narrative or enhancing readability. It’s crucial to acknowledge that any AI influence should not overshadow the personal authenticity of the author's experience.

Manipulative Elements

The article may employ persuasive language to promote meditation, which could be seen as a form of manipulation. By emphasizing the dramatic shift in the author's life, it may inadvertently lead readers to overlook the complexities surrounding mental health treatments.

In conclusion, while the article presents a compelling case for meditation as a remedy for insomnia, it should be approached with a critical mindset. Personal testimonies can be powerful, yet they do not replace the need for comprehensive understanding and individualized care in mental health management.

Unanalyzed Article Content

Source URL: https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2025/jun/09/the-one-change-that-worked-meditation-cured-my-insomnia-and-transformed-my-relationships

In the run-up to Christmas 2018, wobbly with delirium on a station platform packed with partygoers, I nearly fell under a train. Insomnia – not the “I woke at 3am for a bit” type, but the brutalising “I might have dropped off for a fretful 45 minutes at around 6am” kind – will do that to a person.

I have rarely slept well. But this particular stretch of insomnia was, almost literally, a killer. I’d tried every snake oil on the market. A Harley Street hypnotist gave up on me after two sessions. Prescription sleeping pills stopped working. As a last resort, I tried the eight-week NHS cognitive behavioural therapy course for insomnia. It involved a tedious sleep diary, increasing “sleep pressure” by forcing myself to stay up until 2am and strengthening the “bed-sleep connection” by sacrificing my bedtime read. Far from helping, these strategies ramped up my frustration. Then I found one thing that did work – something I had dismissed as the preserve of man buns and pseudo-spiritualists: meditation.

With help from an app, I started turning my maddening night-time thought loops into innocuous clouds that passed through the sky of my mind. I discovered that mentally scanning my body from head to toe while focusing on each part without judgment could ease my ever-present tension. And by noticing how thoughts vanish as quickly as they appear, I came to realise this crippling phase would eventually pass.

With my cynicism on hold, I started following the standard advice of meditating during the day, rather than reaching for it as an emergency sleep aid. Nothing hardcore. A simple 10-minute bolt-on after brushing my teeth.

Over time, I started dreading bedtime less, found it easier to drop off and stay asleep longer. Sometimes for as long as six hours. Horror for some. Bliss for me. So the sleep diaries got binned, but the meditation did not.

By regularly stilling my mind, I was able to step back and appraise problems from a distance. “Respond, not react”, to use the correct meditation parlance. In fact, I was able to look at my entire life from a distance. This clarity helped me see that my marriage was beyond repair. Divorce soon followed, a stressful but ultimately positive process made more manageable by daily meditation. Then came the lion’s den of dating. I honestly don’t know how I would have survived dating apps without meditation apps. They helped me stay grounded, observing the chaotic thrills and rejections with detached awareness.

Best of all, meditation has made me a better parent. With patience not being one of my virtues, I had a habit of snapping at my child. Throw my menopause and their teendom into the mix, and you get something more explosive than fireworks on New Year’s Eve. But meditation helps defuse things. If I let the habit slip, the tetchiness – and insomnia – creep back in.

Meditation has not only calmed my mind, but also expanded it, making me more open to the things I once dismissed: vulnerability, therapy and perhaps even spiritualism. It’s been such a salve that I’m (almost) grateful to my sleepless nights for forcing it on me.

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Source: The Guardian