Why Urban Kashmir Is Experiencing Sleeplessness
By Saiqa Sona Ullah
Urban areas in Kashmir are witnessing a rise in sleeplessness, mirroring the city’s non-stop lifestyle.
Amidst the glow of billboards and constant traffic noise, the sense of impending tomorrow looms large.
Without pause, the future relentlessly pushes forward, infiltrating every aspect of daily life.
The overwhelming urban environment seeps into both external surroundings and internal thoughts, disrupting the once natural sleep patterns.
With mornings starting abruptly to alarms and nights ending in restless contemplation, the cycle of sleeplessness persists.
Messages flood in, deadlines loom, and life moves at a pace faster than can be comfortably processed.
There seems to be no escape from the incessant barrage of responsibilities and stimuli.
The mind, bombarded with worries and obligations, struggles to find a moment of respite amidst the chaos.
In an attempt to balance everything at once, the mind and body are pushed to their limits, yearning for a sense of calm that remains elusive.
Insomnia is not merely a minor inconvenience; it is a symptom of a society constantly propelling itself forward without pause for reflection.
Physical manifestations of this relentless pace include muscle tension, headaches, and an overarching sense of exhaustion.
Despite the body’s signals of fatigue, the demand for productivity often overrides the need for rest, perpetuating a cycle of sleep deprivation.
Modern technology exacerbates this struggle, with the constant influx of notifications and social media engagement further fragmenting personal time and space.
As the mind races ahead, the soul is left lagging behind, struggling to find moments of true connection amidst the digital noise.
Efforts to combat sleeplessness through apps and routines provide temporary relief, but the underlying pressure always resurfaces.
Philosophers like Michel Foucault foresaw this societal shift towards a networked, interconnected existence, where time and space overlap in a constant jumble.
Life no longer unfolds in a linear fashion but rather as a series of overlapping, conflicting demands that leave little room for contemplation.
Within this inner turmoil, sleep becomes a rare commodity, often sacrificed in the pursuit of productivity and progress.
Yet, in the quiet hours of sleeplessness, there is an opportunity for introspection and clarity, as one thought or feeling takes center stage amidst the chaos.
Remaining awake becomes an act of defiance against a future that threatens to overshadow the present moment.
While awareness may not solve all problems, it serves as an anchor in the tumultuous sea of modern life, preventing complete dissolution into the cacophony.
Navigating the crowded landscape of tomorrow requires a delicate balance between keeping pace with the demands of society and preserving one’s inner essence.
Despite the shrinking nights and racing minds, maintaining awareness of self is paramount in remaining grounded amidst the chaos.
Although sleep may elude us in the crowded tomorrow, staying awake to our true selves is a victory in itself.
