📣 For more lifestyle news, click here to join our WhatsApp Channel and also follow us on Instagram
© IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd
Tags:
Journalism of Courage
A 4.0-magnitude earthquake struck Delhi this morning around 5.30 am, with tremors shaking several neighbouring areas of the national capital. The National Centre of Seismology reported that the quake occurred at a depth of approximately 5 km.
“EQ of M: 4.0, On: 17/02/2025 05:36:55 IST, Lat: 28.59 N, Long: 77.16 E, Depth: 5 Km, Location: New Delhi, Delhi,” it wrote on X.
But were you one of those who were woken up suddenly, only to feel an earthquake moments later? Or has it ever happened to you before? While it may seem like a coincidence, the human body might be more attuned to seismic activity than we realise.
Beyond this eerie phenomenon, earthquakes can also disrupt sleep patterns in unexpected ways. Even minor tremors can trigger stress responses, making it harder to fall back asleep or causing long-term disturbances in sleep quality.
Indianexpress.com spoke to an expert to understand how earthquakes affect our bodies, our sleep cycles, and whether humans really have an innate ability to detect seismic activity before it happens.
Neha Cadabam, Senior psychplogist and executive director at Cadabams Hospitals, tells indianexpress.com, “There is anecdotal evidence suggesting that some individuals experience unusual sensations or awakenings just before an earthquake strikes. While the scientific consensus is still evolving, it is believed that subtle environmental changes — such as low-frequency vibrations, changes in electromagnetic fields, or even shifts in the earth’s crust — might be subconsciously registered by the human body. These sensory inputs could trigger a heightened state of alertness or disrupt sleep, prompting individuals to wake up. From a psychological perspective, our brains are finely tuned to detect anomalies in our environment, especially during sleep when our subconscious is more perceptive to changes that we may not consciously notice during the day.”
Earthquakes can have both immediate and lasting effects on sleep patterns, notes Cadabam. The sudden jolt of an earthquake, especially at night, can lead to acute stress responses such as heightened anxiety and difficulty returning to sleep.
“This disruption is often compounded by the aftershocks and the overall atmosphere of uncertainty that follows a seismic event. For those living in earthquake-prone areas, the constant underlying fear of another quake can contribute to chronic sleep disturbances, including insomnia and fragmented sleep. Over time, this persistent sleep disruption can affect mood, cognitive function, and overall mental health, increasing the risk of anxiety disorders and depression,” states the expert.
Improving sleep in areas prone to earthquakes involves both practical and psychological strategies. Establishing a secure, comfortable sleeping environment is a good first step. “This might include reinforcing home safety measures and creating a designated space that feels secure. Practicing relaxation techniques, such as mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, or progressive muscle relaxation, can help manage anxiety related to the anticipation of earthquakes,” explains Cadabam.
Additionally, she says that maintaining a regular sleep schedule and a bedtime routine can promote better sleep quality, even in stressful times. Limiting exposure to distressing news or social media before bed and engaging in calming activities — like reading or listening to soothing music — can also reduce nighttime anxiety. “For some individuals, seeking support from a mental health professional or joining community support groups can provide further strategies to manage stress and improve sleep. Cognitive-behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is one evidence-based approach that can be particularly helpful in addressing sleep disturbances related to environmental stressors like earthquakes.”
