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Original poster

How to get through the day on not enough sleep

43 replies

AliceinBunnyland · 21/07/2020 07:57

I'm an 8 hour kinda gal and I definitely didn't get that. I think I fell asleep after 12:30 and DH woke me up at 5:45 trying to find something in the bedroom.

I've been awake since then, trying to get back to sleep, but to no avail. Too late now as I get up around 8. I've got a headache and I have that horrible wired tired feeling. I think DH is now asleep on the sofa downstairs (typical).

Need to do a full day of work (from home) in a demanding job.

What helps?

I don't drink coffee.

OP posts:
gubbinsy · 21/07/2020 07:59

Drink plenty of water. Go out for a walk before you start work and try and get more fresh air throughout the day. You'll probably feel dreadful early afternoon! Sugar might help get over that and then early night!

Hemlock2013 · 21/07/2020 07:59

Lots of water, a cool shower.

Just ride it out. You can do it!

SillyMoomin · 21/07/2020 07:59

Honestly, only thing that helps me is a cat nap. A proper one, 10 mins only, try about 10.30 or when you’d have a normal mid morning coffee break. Lie flat, head down, eyes shut, set an alarm.

If needs be do the same about 3pm. WFH obviously makes this easier! Grin

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Sleep
cheezy · 21/07/2020 08:00

Cold shower. Brisk walk when you can. No sugar or carbs. Splash face with cold water.

Iggly · 21/07/2020 08:01

It’s only one day, you’ll be fine. Just don’t dwell on it. Go for a walk, drink water and go to bed early tonight.

Drivingdownthe101 · 21/07/2020 08:03

According to my sleep app on my Apple Watch I got 4 hours 16 mins last night. I have three kids (6, 5 and 1) on my own all day and have to work this evening so no chance of a nap for even an early night.
Not much I can do except get on with it! We’ll go for a walk/to the park later.

Original poster
AliceinBunnyland · 21/07/2020 08:03

Thank you.

I was thinking water.

A walk is a good idea.

I can't nap. I would if I could but I just can't sleep on demand. If I could I would have probably fallen asleep between 5:45 and now.

Sugar vs no sugar? Hmm I usually reach for sugar for anything but trying to cut down!

Maybe I'll walk to the butchers and make a bacon sandwich Grin

OP posts:
Original poster
AliceinBunnyland · 21/07/2020 08:06

It’s only one day, you’ll be fine. Just don’t dwell on it.

I think this is good advice Smile

According to my sleep app on my Apple Watch I got 4 hours 16 mins last night. I have three kids (6, 5 and 1) on my own all day and have to work this evening so no chance of a nap for even an early night.

I have a fitness watch but I don't think it's accurate for sleep tracking. I can't nap either so you're in good company Grin

OP posts:
Drivingdownthe101 · 21/07/2020 08:09

Yeah I’m not sure on it’s accuracy but as I was up with a teething baby until 2am and got up with same baby at 6.30am I think it’s fairly accurate in this instance!

Original poster
AliceinBunnyland · 21/07/2020 08:16

Yeah I’m not sure on it’s accuracy but as I was up with a teething baby until 2am and got up with same baby at 6.30am I think it’s fairly accurate in this instance!

I wasn't suggesting yours wasn't accurate. The brand of watch I have is known not to be v good for sleep tracking but I'm not really bothered about that.

I would have a one year old too now but he died shortly after birth last year. Probably wouldn't mind the lack of sleep so much if he were here Sad Maybe gonna be one of those days!

OP posts:
Drivingdownthe101 · 21/07/2020 08:22

@AliceinBunnyland

Yeah I’m not sure on it’s accuracy but as I was up with a teething baby until 2am and got up with same baby at 6.30am I think it’s fairly accurate in this instance!

I wasn't suggesting yours wasn't accurate. The brand of watch I have is known not to be v good for sleep tracking but I'm not really bothered about that.

I would have a one year old too now but he died shortly after birth last year. Probably wouldn't mind the lack of sleep so much if he were here Sad Maybe gonna be one of those days!

Sorry I wasn’t being arsey, apologies if it came across that way. Just meant it genuinely was a shit night! Sorry to hear about your baby.
Original poster
AliceinBunnyland · 21/07/2020 08:28

Thanks @Drivingdownthe101

Part of lack of sleep is I end up being in a rubbish mood. I had a bit of a cry after I woke up but I know I'm just tired and need to woman up!

Time for that water, shower and walk I think...

OP posts:
Frownette · 21/07/2020 08:29

You'll have to write it off for today - muddle through as best you can.

Just try to eat something and get enough liquids and hopefully better sleep tonight. DH should step in if you're really exhausted and need time later for a catnap.

Why was he looking for something at 5.45am?

Frownette · 21/07/2020 08:30

Actually that groggy alert state does wear off as the day progresses

Original poster
AliceinBunnyland · 21/07/2020 08:30

Why was he looking for something at 5.45am?

I think it wanted his tablet and he took it downstairs. Probably wanted to play Clash of Clans or suchlike! Hmm

OP posts:
FranklyDearIDontRiverdance · 21/07/2020 08:34

You don’t have kids OP?

Even though mine sleep through as they are much older now, I still class 5hrs as a decent night’s sleep. I remember my minimum used to be at least 4hrs (broken). Like you, I previously needed at least 7hrs.

The more you focus on it, the worse you will feel. Just get on with your day and look forward to bed later!

bettybr2020 · 21/07/2020 08:38

Have you got any calming music on your phone? This may help you fall back asleep should you waken this early in future again. Tea and green tea also contain caffeine if you drink those?

CatFaceCats · 21/07/2020 08:43

I never get enough sleep - my kids broke me years ago and I’m my own worst enemy by reading until 1/2am most nights. Then I wake at 6-7.
You do just have to power through.
Up, shower, tea/coffee and just get on with it. Try a walk at lunchtime and do not try and lie down after lunch for a nap, otherwise you’ll never get back up! Once you’re over that hump, you’re on the home stretch :)

dancingbadger · 21/07/2020 08:46

Oh I hate it when I don't get enough sleep! The only thing that works for me is to do some proper cardio so you kick start your endorphins although motivating yourself when your tired can be tough.

dancingbadger · 21/07/2020 08:47

Oh I hate it when I don't get enough sleep! The only thing that works for me is to do some proper cardio so you kick start your endorphins although motivating yourself when your tired can be tough.

Thebookswereherfriends · 21/07/2020 08:48

I don’t drink coffee and when I’ve had a bad night I take a paracetamol plus because it has caffeine in it, so it helps with the headache and gives a little boost.

Original poster
AliceinBunnyland · 21/07/2020 08:51

You don’t have kids OP?

No. I mentioned above my son died.

I'm grieving and feeling crap because I haven't slept also makes me feel shit about everything as well as being a bit tired.

I'd give up my sleep to have my child back. I do generally just get on with it though.

Please, no more comments suggesting I have it easy as I don't have a child.

Oh I hate it when I don't get enough sleep! The only thing that works for me is to do some proper cardio so you kick start your endorphins although motivating yourself when your tired can be tough.

I've been quite active the past few days, including a long walk last night, so don't feel up to exercise. I'm going to walk to the butcher for some bacon and have a bacon sandwich Smile

And then plan to do some Les Mills this afternoon (I'm Youtube) if I can power through til then!

OP posts:
Drivingdownthe101 · 21/07/2020 08:53

I hope the bacon sandwich helps OP.

SerenityNowwwww · 21/07/2020 08:54

“6pm I’m going for a nap
6pm I’m going for a nap”

Focus on what you need to do today. Make sure you eat (nothing heavy) and drink lots of water. Get up and move around. Get some fresh air (even stick your head out of the window). If you feel fuzzy try to do work that doesn’t need too much thinking.

Original poster
AliceinBunnyland · 21/07/2020 08:57

I'm sure I sound pathetic complaining about sleep. I just woke up feeling tired and in a bad mood. I am quite sensitive to being tired / hungry / hormone allergies changes. Just from getting out of bed and walking about the house I feel better.

My work is quite demanding and I find it hard to focus when I'm tired but it's one day so it's not the end of the world and I am promising myself a 5pm sharp finish!

Thanks for the advice

I'll let you know whther I manage the Les Mills class!

OP posts: