Ukrainians fight exhaustion as war turns sleep into a survival tool
For Ukrainians, sleep has turned into a rare and valuable resource. Nightly air raid sirens and the constant threat of explosions disrupt rest, leaving many exhausted. Now, getting enough sleep is seen as a way to strengthen mental resilience and resistance during the war. Ukraine currently has the lowest average sleep duration in Europe. The ongoing conflict means few can enjoy uninterrupted rest. Explosions and emergency alerts repeatedly wake people, preventing the deep sleep needed for memory and emotional balance.
Chronic sleep loss affects thinking, decision-making, and emotional control. Forgetfulness and irritability become common, while those with PTSD suffer even more. Flashbacks and nightmares grow worse without proper rest. Experts like Larisa Gerasimenko, a professor at Poltava Medical University, advise 'catch-up sleep' and cutting screen time before bed. She warns that without recovery, the mind struggles to function clearly. For many, sleep is no longer just rest—it’s a tool for survival. Tetiana Milimko, editor-in-chief of USI.online and a Panter Foundation alumna, highlights how Ukrainians now view sleep as a weapon. Staying sharp and focused depends on it, even as war makes rest harder to find.
The lack of sleep in Ukraine has real consequences for daily life and mental health. Without recovery, stress and trauma deepen, making resilience more difficult. For now, sleep remains both a challenge and a vital part of enduring the war.
