What is insomnia?

Insomnia is when your brain doesn't want to go to sleep even though your body really needs it.

Imagine you're playing with your favorite toy right before bedtime, maybe a robot or a train set. You know you should stop playing and go to bed, but your brain says, "No way! I'm having too much fun!" That's like insomnia: your brain is still partying while your body is ready for bed.

Your brain is like a kid who doesn't want to leave the playground even when it's time to go home. It keeps thinking about the day’s adventures, maybe that funny joke from lunch or that race you had with your friend.

Sometimes, your brain is so busy thinking, it forgets how to calm down and rest. That means you lie in bed for a long time, but your eyes are still open, and your body feels tired. It's like trying to fall asleep while your brain is running around the playground instead of going to sleep.

If this happens every night, it can feel like your brain has its own bedtime routine, and it doesn't want to follow yours!