Movies reflect human needs: Sleep

In April I participated in the Blogging from A to Z Challenge and followed a theme of movies reflecting human needs. I had this post ready for the letter 'S' but went a different direction (Storytelling) and left this one in my drafts. 

Last week, though, sleep was a major problem for me... I had difficulty both in falling asleep and staying asleep. It made me think of this post, so I'm sharing it now.

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Theme: Movies reflect human needs...

Sleep

Image from storyblocks.com

There are multiple human needs that begin with the letter S... safety and security, solitude (at times), self-confidence, self-worth, support, shelter, sharing... and yet I chose Sleep. We all need it. Some may need more than others, but sleep is vital.

Sleep is the Swiss army knife of health. When sleep is deficient, there is sickness and disease. And when sleep is abundant, there is vitality and health. (Matthew Walker, Sleep Diplomat)

I've heard some say, "I'll sleep when I'm dead!" And I want to add, "Yes, and without sleep, you'll be there soon."

Insomnia is a gross feeder. It will nourish itself on any kind of thinking, including thinking about not thinking. (Clifton Fadiman)

In my younger years, I suffered with insomnia but didn't realize it. I thought taking hours to fall asleep was normal. Wasn't everyone like that? Well, no, I later learned, some people actually say good-night and then fall asleep. Just like that. I'm one of those now.

But... I've developed a different problem... staying asleep. If something wakes me up in the middle of the night (hearing a sound, too hot, too cold, need the bathroom) it's almost guaranteed I will not be able to go back to sleep.

So, yeah, I'm a bit obsessed with getting a good night's rest. 

Sadly, I don't have much of a list for movies that reflect the need for sleep. I Googled "movies about sleep" and most of the results were ones I haven't seen because they are the types of movies that would keep me awake at night!

But here are some relaxing films with "sleep" in the title...

Sleeping Beauty (1959)

Sleepless in Seattle (1993)

While You Were Sleeping (1995)

And for a bonus, here's a serene sleep-aid... a storybook "Jungle Night" by Sandra Boynton (I love her work!) put to video and accompanied with Yo-Yo Ma. 

And now I feel the need for a nap.

Do you have trouble sleeping? What movies come to mind while reading this?