What’s Keeping Karen Russell Up at Night?

Do you find yourself struggling to get to sleep these days? Us too. Would it help to know that you’re not alone? Sleep Donation, a haunting novella about an insomnia epidemic that sweeps the nation, might be just the read for you. To celebrate the publication of this timely story, author Karen Russell shared a list of the things that could be keeping you from the land of Nod—plus one great tip for a better night of sleep . . . if you’ve got a time machine.

Things That Can Interfere with a Good Night’s Sleep

1. Caring about anyone or anything
2. Itchy sheets
3. Inconsiderate ghosts
4. Unopened bills
5. The “Venti” option
6. Rumination about insignificant mistake
7. Babies
8. Noise
9. Silence
10. Temperature
11. Blue light
12. Hellfire
13. Cabbage sandwich
14. True crime documentaries
15. Satan’s piano lesson (or is it just the train again?)
16. Urban coyote howling outside
17. Or is that a man??
18. Rumination about existential threats to democracy, planet
19. Mirrors at night
20. Apparitions in mirrors
21. Apprehension of apparitions in mirrors
22. Pennywise
23. Memory of leftover cake in fridge
24. Feet of toddler in one’s face
25. Another adult sleeping peacefully beside you
26. Resentment

Tips for Getting a Better Night’s Sleep

1. Build a time machine with reclining seats and travel to a different year