I can’t remember what it’s like to sleep

[Slipperyfish]

I feel like I’m drowning. I am so tired and yet I don’t sleep. I’ve had maybe 8 hours of broken sleep since Friday night, but I’ve been awake 31 hours at this point in time. I’m just so tired and exhausted all the time. I’m stressed and tired and anxious and terrified all at once and I’m just really struggling to make sense of it all. Up until about a fortnight ago I was getting around 4 hours sleep a night(which is great for me). I have sleep rules. I’ve cut my coffee down. I don’t do anything other then sleep in my bed. I follow the rules. But a fortnight a go someone ruined my safe space, which is/was my bedroom, and now I feel as though I need to be on high alert 24/7. This isn’t me and I feel like I’m spiraling away and I just want it to stop and I just want to sleep.

[Sophie_M]

Hi Slipperyfish,

We're so grateful that you have reached out to our community tonight and are sorry to hear that you're in a tough space right now. It must be really difficult feeling so tired and yet so worried about sleeping. But please know that you're not alone in this, and our community is here to talk through these thoughts and feelings. We've also checked in with you via email to provide you with some additional supports.

Keep checking in to let us know how you're going, whenever you feel up to it.

[Champagne_charlie]

I just wanted you to know you're not alone. I go through these phases often. Sometimes it's hard to sleep sometimes it's because something is different.

The feeling you are feeling is awful I know. I have to mediate to get some sleep. The one thing I have learnt from that is you just can't force sleep sadly.

With everything that happens to us and the things that make us anxious our brain does get overloaded. Maybe you might like to write down all the things that are on your mind. Use your phone or paper.

I hope you get rest and I hope it is soon.

[Guest_1643]

Hey Slipperyfish. I just want to say I believe you when you say this is not you, it isn't. It sounds like a trauma responce, like your body is scared or anxious, and i hope you can soon sleep again... I really do. A good, peaceful, soothing sleep that feels safe and okay.
I think you are quite brave and strong to write about this - i'm sorry i know the word "brave" can sometimes sound patronising but I don't know what other word to use... you are aware of this problem and trying to get to the bottom of it.... you are almost saying you deserve better and need better.
Not sleeping is terrifying.... can you do anything else at this time pleasant for yourself which will rest your nervous system....walking, watching a movie, or meditating. Sometimes rest is very healing when we aren't sleeping, it gives the body a taste of calm...

[Slipperyfish]

I have been doing meditation before bed and it seems to be helping kind of. I’m getting around 4 hours of broken sleep now. Which is a start! Anything is good right now as my 38 hours of being awake has really thrown me!

[Slipperyfish]

Thank you for the kind words. I’m working with my therapist to try and sort my sleep out. My biggest problem is telling myself that I need to sleep. I feel like I have to be able to protect myself 24/7, hence the staying awake. But I’m trying. I’m so tired all the time though. It’s hard to keep fighting you know

[blondguy]

Hello Slipperyfish

I just noticed your thread pop up....I really feel for you as I used to have the same issues....and we dont function well the next day.....or the day after....

I am sorry that someone ruined your safe place.....I see that Sophie_M contacted you offline which is always helpful. Just for your info I have the Beyond Blue 'Sleep' thread link below....Its a huge thread with many people that have difficulty sleeping....I hope its of some help after what you have been through

www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/staying-well/sleep

just a friendly note....the forums are a rock solid safe place for you to post...your well being and privacy are paramount to Beyond Blue

my kindest

Paul

(Volunteer)

[Guest_1643]

hey Paul - i like these threads re sleep because honestly i always haave the vision that it's only me struggling with this.
Here I am now at 12:26pm not even thinkig of sleep yet - so awake and wired and i imagine all my neighbours fast asleep, (for hours now!) and i feel like a freak
It's good to know that this is a problem that i'm not fighting alone

[Tialee]

Hi slipperyfiah,
I just want to reach out and say you are not alone .ever since I was 6 (I'm now about to turn 28 ) I have had issues sleeping , I myself am like you 4 hours a night feel a like a major win. I also have tried healthy sleep habits and just about everything else possible to try and sort this issue
I didn't really read everyone's comments but by the sounds of your post (someone ruining your space ) that something more extreme has happened I truly hope you ar3 seeking help for this and can get back on to the road of recovery. I am only new here but already in the short time have found this site and the people amazing x goodluck

[blondguy]

Hi Slipperyfish!

Excuse I for hijacking your thread for a moment..sorry...

Hey Sleepy21....ditto here...not being able to sleep is awful....the moderators highlighted (above..in red) the best Beyond Blue thread topic about 'Sleep' I hope you can let us know your thoughts 🙂 Copy & Paste link below for you

Hey Tialee...Welcome and thankyou for helping Slipperyfish on her thread! Only when you can have a sticky at the Beyond Blue 'Sleep' thread....Its super long yet even some posts are very helpful.....The link is below 🙂

www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/staying-well/sleep

take care everyone....Paul