Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Is no sleep a reasonable excuse for calling in sick to work?

238 replies

Catermellor · 20/03/2026 05:36

Is ‘I haven’t slept at all’ a reasonable excuse for not going to work?

I really haven’t. I might have had two hours maybe 9-11 and then maybe dozed for half an hour between 4 and 430’but that’s it and that’s a generous guess. I feel all shaky and horrible and I just want to catch up on some sleep.

OP posts:
Whaleandsnail6 · 20/03/2026 06:43

I wouldn't call in sick with no sleep. I used to work nights and would often struggle to sleep in the day but I knew that knew I got going after a coffee, shower and then into the thick of it at work, I'd be OK

I think if I called in sick due to no sleep, I'd have been off more than in for those years... nights shifts and 2 young kids didn't mix well!

I think I'd have a mini eye roll if a colleague rang in sick due to being tired, especially on a Friday when they now have two days off. I wouldn't say anything negative out loud as it's none of my business though.

HJ40 · 20/03/2026 06:42

As you’ve decided it, I’ve been there. For one day, especially when you aren’t working tomorrow either, then I’d push though. Unless of course you operate heavy machinery or something else where it would be dangerous.

You can self verify though, so you go for it if you want to! You know the sickness policy in terms of impact of pay etc.

Canonlythinkofthisone · 20/03/2026 06:41

KimberleyClark · 20/03/2026 05:46

Bear in mind that if you call in sick today it will count as three days sick leave, not one.

Depends entirely on working pattern. Weekends for monday to Friday workers arent sick days if they call in sick on a Friday. HTH

liveforsummer · 20/03/2026 06:41

I frequently finish work at 2am and have to be up at 4.30 to take dc competing which is a very long day so 2 hours sleep is the max possible. I’d just get on with it in good shoes unless you are also unwell. The shakes of just from being tired will go away once you get going. Hopefully you will then sleep well tonight too

ShyMaryEllen · 20/03/2026 06:40

Every parent has sleepless nights, as do many others. Insomnia is very common. I would say go in, particularly if you would get paid, and/or if someone else will have to pick up your work as well as their own. It’s one night. You can limp through.

Alovelycoffee · 20/03/2026 06:40

This reply has been deleted

This has been deleted by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines.

shuffleofftobuffalo · 20/03/2026 06:39

What is your job? Does being sleep deprived cause a safety issue?

If everyone called in sick every time they were sleep deprived because of parenting hardly any working parents would be at work.

sparrowhawkhere · 20/03/2026 06:39

You did sleep just had very little. I’ve gone to work the same, I just make sure I eat and drink lots then go to bed early when I get in. When I only worked 2 days I made sure I did everything I could to get there for those 2 days.

Playstoppaws · 20/03/2026 06:39

I run a team with younger people in it who do call in sick when tired and ask for wellbeing consideration. I grant it but slightly seething that i also don't sleep well. I've had a child up every hour of the night for years, then menopause kicking me when I was down and I still came to work. In some ways I admire them for having a line in the sand but ultimately it won't help their progression.

Original poster
Catermellor · 20/03/2026 06:38

TaraPup · 20/03/2026 06:36

This is some of the strangest misinformation I've seen on here.

Show quote history

I think it may come from the idea that if you’re signed off before a holiday the holiday includes your sick leave. It makes no difference to me tbh; one day or three is irrelevant.

OP posts:
chateauneufdupapa · 20/03/2026 06:38

In my view it’s reasonable not to go but I’d make up a different reason as some people won’t be understanding.

Alovelycoffee · 20/03/2026 06:36

This reply has been deleted

This has been deleted by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines.

TY78910 · 20/03/2026 06:36

KimberleyClark · 20/03/2026 05:46

Bear in mind that if you call in sick today it will count as three days sick leave, not one.

huh!!

Original poster
Catermellor · 20/03/2026 06:36

This reply has been deleted

This has been deleted by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines.

What, with a child climbing all over me crying?

OP posts:
TaraPup · 20/03/2026 06:36

KimberleyClark · 20/03/2026 05:46

Bear in mind that if you call in sick today it will count as three days sick leave, not one.

This is some of the strangest misinformation I've seen on here.

FirstdatesFred · 20/03/2026 06:36

as others have said - it’s more about the underlying reason. If it’s just “one of those nights” I’d crack on as it’s amazing how well you can function on little sleep once you get up and going and have some coffee/food.

Alovelycoffee · 20/03/2026 06:36

This reply has been deleted

This has been deleted by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines.

Coconutter24 · 20/03/2026 06:35

Catermellor · 20/03/2026 06:24

I only work Fridays and Mondays!

I’ve been up all night with a child, it’s been horrible as every time I started to doze off I was disturbed again, over and over.

Show quote history

Is the child poorly or just not a great sleeper?

Original poster
Catermellor · 20/03/2026 06:34

Malasana · 20/03/2026 06:32

That’s even worse then!
If I was your Manager and knowing you only work 2 days a week if you called in sick due to sleeping badly I’d be unimpressed.

Show quote history

I didn’t sleep badly. I didn’t sleep.

OP posts:
nondrinker1985 · 20/03/2026 06:32

Yes if course … of course just think how it’ll affect your work. Jsut call in and say you were sick in the night

Malasana · 20/03/2026 06:32

Catermellor · 20/03/2026 06:24

I only work Fridays and Mondays!

I’ve been up all night with a child, it’s been horrible as every time I started to doze off I was disturbed again, over and over.

Show quote history

That’s even worse then!
If I was your Manager and knowing you only work 2 days a week if you called in sick due to sleeping badly I’d be unimpressed.

Mere1 · 20/03/2026 06:31

Lomonald · 20/03/2026 05:44

Just phone in sick,say you have been up and down all night and you feel awful, which isn't lying.

I have had an awful night's sleep hence being here at 5.45 I am hoping for another hour but doubt it.

same here. Often do. I cope.

Fuckitydoodah · 20/03/2026 06:30

If you feel that bad, then I'd be inclined to say you've been up in the night with an upset stomach, etc.

I think many employers would take s dim view of calling in sick due to a bad night's sleep, even if they don't openly say so.

Malasana · 20/03/2026 06:30

No. It’s unfair on colleagues who would have to pick up the slack.
It’s just one day. Get to work then have an early night.
You have slept, just not a lot.

Bluegreenbird · 20/03/2026 06:30

My office works shifts. You just have to cope if you’re on an early and have to be in at 5 but you’re coming off a run of nights and didn’t manage to turn your sleep pattern around in your two days off.