Yöhässä

Yöhässä is a term that refers to a state of being disoriented or confused, particularly during nighttime hours. It often describes the feeling of being lost, muddled, or unsure of one's surroundings or thoughts after waking up, especially in the dark or when experiencing interrupted sleep. This sensation can be exacerbated by factors such as sudden awakenings, unusual environments, or the lingering effects of sleep inertia.

The experience of yöhässä is generally temporary and resolves as a person becomes more fully awake and their senses adjust. While not a formal medical diagnosis, the term captures a common human experience related to the transition between sleep and wakefulness. It can be associated with feelings of mild anxiety or unease due to the temporary lack of clarity. The word itself is of Finnish origin, translating roughly to "night trouble" or "night confusion," and is used colloquially to describe this specific type of nocturnal disorientation.