While millions of Cubans face nights without electricity, extreme heat, and the inability to rest due to prolonged blackouts, the official newspaper Venceremos published a text with "advice" on how to combat insomnia, which highlights drinking herbal infusions, warm milk with honey, reading books, or deep breathing before sleeping.
The official publication also recommends evening strolls, warm baths, relaxation techniques, and maintaining fixed sleeping schedules as part of a "routine" to achieve restful sleep, which apparently could work even for those who sleep on roofs to cope with the heat.
However, at no point is there any mention of the real conditions that seriously hinder the rest of the population: prolonged power outages, lack of ventilation, environmental noise, mosquitoes, or unbearable heat, in addition to the ongoing problems faced by the population in purchasing food or cooking gas, the precarious infrastructure of the healthcare system, or the shortage of medications.
The article warns that insomnia can cause “stress, anxiety, slowed reflexes, and concentration problems,” but it omits any reference to the socioeconomic context of the country and the energy crisis that prevents many families from fulfilling even the most basic recommendations, such as taking a hot shower or turning on a fan.
“Drinking a glass of warm milk with honey an hour before bedtime can improve our sleep quality,” the text states, without addressing the milk shortage, the high price of honey, or the limited access to basic resources in much of the country.
The official proposal contrasts sharply with the daily reality faced by thousands of Cubans, especially in the eastern regions of the country, where power outages of between 12 and 20 hours have been reported.
Although the regime, through its official media, tries to present an image of calm and self-care, the lack of structural responses to the electrical crisis has led to growing expressions of frustration and public discontent.
Natural remedies for sleep may seem harmless, but in this context, they reinforce the perception that state media are evading the underlying issue: the system's inability to guarantee minimum living conditions.
Amid the energy crisis, poor sleep is not an isolated clinical disorder but a direct consequence of the country’s material decline. Additionally, it is worth noting that the consumption of medications that induce sleep has skyrocketed in recent years.
Frequently Asked Questions about Blackouts and Insomnia in Cuba
What is the Cuban regime's recipe for combating insomnia during blackouts?
The Cuban regime, through the official newspaper Venceremos, has recommended drinking herbal infusions, warm milk with honey, reading books, or practicing relaxation techniques as ways to combat insomnia. However, these recommendations do not address the real causes of insomnia, which include prolonged blackouts, extreme heat, and lack of ventilation.
How do prolonged blackouts affect health in Cuba?
Prolonged blackouts in Cuba have ceased to be merely an electrical issue and have turned into a serious threat to public health. Extreme heat and the lack of rest can lead to chronic exhaustion, hormonal imbalances, and sleep disorders. Furthermore, the proliferation of mosquitoes increases the risk of diseases such as dengue.
Why can't the Cuban regime resolve the energy crisis?
The Cuban regime is facing difficulties in resolving the energy crisis due to a combination of lack of imported fuel, thermoelectric plants under maintenance, and deterioration of the national electrical infrastructure. Despite promises to improve the situation, power outages persist and severely impact the quality of life for citizens.
What is the response of the Cuban population to the constant blackouts?
The Cuban population has expressed its frustration and desperation through social media, denouncing the lack of electricity and its consequences on daily life. Citizens are experiencing difficulties in cooking, resting, and protecting themselves from the heat and mosquitoes, leading to significant social unrest.
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