The short story “The Great Awake” follows the reality of sleep anxiety. The story talks about “Sleeps,” shadow-like figures that prevent characters from receiving the rest that they need. Characters who don’t need to sleep at first enjoy new things, but those who don’t have a change in their sleeping patterns become increasingly restless, clinging to the day-night cycle.
You can’t really tell if Armfield reflects a way of thinking or if it’s just the result of the deprivation that has been imposed on everyone. Except for Leonie, the narrator’s friend is still sleeping, and it’s driving her insane. Only Leonie wants to sleep and no one wants to be an insomniac except for Leonie.
I think that the story raises a lot of internal questions for the reader. I feel it really makes you challenge and review your own thoughts. My question is: is it really all in your head?