Sleep as a universal experience
We spend a third of our lives sleeping, yet we constantly try to control our nights. Why does sleep elude us so much, and what does it reveal about our relationship with ourselves and others?A regression into detachment
In Dormir, une anthropologie (Métailié), sociologist and anthropologist David Le Breton explores sleep as a universal experience. He describes it as a necessary regression, a moment of self-dissolution where the connection to the world fades, and all interest in the environment, loved ones, and even cherished activities disappears.Conditions for a good night's sleep
Sleeping requires specific material and affective conditions. If these are not met, falling asleep can be difficult. Factors like temperature, light, noise, mattress quality, and even the barking of dogs can hinder sleep. Personal preferences also play a role—someone used to a hard surface may find a soft mattress uncomfortable and vice versa.Modern challenges to rest
Today, a clinic of insomnia and lack of sleep continues to grow. People are sleeping less and less, with reduced quality of rest. Irregular work schedules, night shifts, and social pressures contribute to this trend. Anxiety from personal or societal issues can also make it hard to fall asleep, reducing the quality of rest.Unequal distribution of sleep
Our societies experience an unequal distribution of sleep. Some people sleep to satiety, protected by their schedules, while others suffer from chronic fatigue due to work, social networks, or personal worries. Some use medication to force sleep, highlighting the tension between the body’s needs and modern life’s demands.The bed as a place of transition
The bed is a constant in human life—a place for birth, love, rest, and sleep. It is also a dangerous place, as Mark Twain once noted, since most people die in bed. It offers a sense of protection, allowing the sleeper to cross the boundary of night and transition from one day to the next.Sleep and relationships
For couples, the bed can be both a source of comfort and conflict. Feeling the presence of a partner can be reassuring, but disturbances like snoring or frequent movements can lead to irritation. Sharing a bed requires trust and compromise, especially when it comes to cleanliness and personal space.Sleep as an economic challenge
In our neoliberal societies, sleep is often seen as a barrier to productivity. Many scientific studies are exploring ways to reduce sleep duration to maximize time spent on work, communication, or consumption. The ideal is an individual who is always available, never resting, and constantly connected.Technology and the erosion of sleep
Information and communication technologies are reshaping capitalism and user behavior. Some Silicon Valley leaders aim to keep users awake permanently, ensuring their attention is always available for advertising. Notifications and digital content now keep many, especially younger generations, awake at night, blurring the line between rest and consumption.Individual differences in sleep
The necessity of sleep varies from person to person. Some need only a few hours to feel rested, while others require longer sleep. Each individual has their own rhythm and needs. The pressure to conform to a perceived norm can create anxiety, which in turn disrupts sleep.A book on sleep and life
Dormir, une anthropologie by David Le Breton (Métailié) has been selected for the Psychologies Essay Prize 2026, which rewards books that help people live better. The winner will be announced on November 17, 2026, at the Jacquemart-André Museum in Paris.
