Søvnwake

Søvnwake is a psychological theory developed by Russian psychiatrist and sleep researcher Mikhail Manevitch. The theory was first proposed in the 1990s and has been further developed and researched in the years since.

Søvnwake posits that human sleep and wakefulness are not separate states, but rather two ends of a continuous spectrum. According to Manevitch, individuals are constantly shifting between wakefulness and sleep, with the degree of wakefulness or sleepiness varying throughout the day.

The theory suggests that the transition between wakefulness and sleep is mediated by various factors, including circadian rhythms, sleep pressure, and external stimuli. Manevitch argues that the distinction between wakefulness and sleep is often blurred, and that individuals can experience a range of intermediate states, such as drowsiness, fatigue, or light sleep.

Søvnwake also proposes that the relationship between wakefulness and sleep is reciprocal, meaning that wakefulness and sleep influence each other in a feedback loop. For example, a lack of sleep can lead to increased wakefulness, while excessive wakefulness can lead to difficulty falling asleep.

Research on søvnwake has focused on its application to various conditions, including insomnia, sleep disorders, and shift work syndrome. Some studies have suggested that the theory may be useful in developing more effective treatments for these conditions by targeting the intermediate states of drowsiness and fatigue.

While søvnwake remains a relatively new and developing theory, its incorporation into sleep research has the potential to lead to a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between wakefulness and sleep.