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Original poster

Zero sleep and need to get through a days work...help.

33 replies

Yafilthyanimal · 30/11/2021 03:12

Can I do it?

I feel so anxiousSad

OP posts:
Michelle2409 · 30/11/2021 03:14

Good luck pma, think happy thoughts. Or go for a kip when nobody's looking lol.

user1477249785 · 30/11/2021 03:16

Op, it's the worst feeling but you can do it. In 15 hours time you will be in bed again

Original poster
Yafilthyanimal · 30/11/2021 03:16

Thank you.

OP posts:
Isabellabasil · 30/11/2021 03:17

Yes you can, I've been there. But it'll be hard. But then I'll be over. Is this insomnia or is something (kids or whatever) keeping you awake?

Worrying about what will happen if you don't sleep, won't help you get to.sleep OP Flowers nothing terrible is going to happen I promise. Can you listen to a podcast to take your mind off it? In Our Time is very soothing

Original poster
Yafilthyanimal · 30/11/2021 03:17

I'm so tired but sleep just won't come. Have felt anxious for a week and it has manifested tonight.

OP posts:
Original poster
Yafilthyanimal · 30/11/2021 03:19

My office is SO hot too...Confused

OP posts:
Isabellabasil · 30/11/2021 03:23

Insomnia is quite common, most people will suffer from it from time to time. It's not going to make you ill or anything, and unless your job is something like being a surgeon or driving a truck, you are unlikely to come to any harm! Many people cope with insomnia for years and years,.I'm sure that won't be you though as it's clearly based on your current anxiety. I really recommend distracting yourself as much as possible tonight with something engaging but soothing eg a podcast or soft music. Or play a mind game such as: what exactly would you do if you won the lottery?

YukoandHiro · 30/11/2021 03:24

You can do it! I've had quite a few days lately on zero sleep and it's not nice but it is manageable.

Have you tried white noise? I find that it helps shut off my brain a little bit

Isabellabasil · 30/11/2021 03:28

Most of us posting at this time (myself inclided) are awake because of feeding a baby or something. I get very little sleep these days because of the kids but I've got used to it. Before kids when I had my anxiety insomnia bouts i felt like you do, thinking the worst. It helps to remind yourself that others are also functioning on very little sleep constantly. One or two nights will be manageable, although I know it's an awful feeling.

Have you tried relaxing your whole body after a few deep breaths?

lousanne · 30/11/2021 03:29

You can do it OP. A person can go 11 days without sleep. You can do 1.

The main thing is not to stress yourself more and think of the full day ahead. Take just 10 mins at a time.

some nice medication and really deep breathing exercise will help. Just look something up on YouTube (anxiety/stress relief before a new day or something).

Shower changed to cold at the end, plenty plenty of liquids. Sugar too. Keep breathing deeply throughout the day.
The day will be over. Even the worst day has only 24 hours. 🌸

lousanne · 30/11/2021 03:31

Meditation not medication
It helped me loads when I was so anxious at having to go to work on no sleep, when I listened to 40 min meditation on the way to work it really helped to shift the fear of cloud off me, and I even had a small chirpy chat with colleagues in the kitchen, instead of hiding/shaking at my desk.

Rachel4545 · 30/11/2021 03:45

You can do it. At some the body will start to produce Adrenalin to keep you going. In the meantime snacks and drink lots of water then needing the loo will keep you awake.

Waxonwaxoff0 · 30/11/2021 05:06

Morning OP. I've been up all night coughing (not Covid I hasten to add, I had a different virus 2 weeks ago and the cough still seems to flare up at night). I have to be at work for 8.

Can you drink coffee or does it make your anxiety worse? Plenty of water to keep you hydrated.

Egghead68 · 30/11/2021 05:09

Yes you can do it. Just rest your body for now, if you are still in bed, and look forward to a better night’s sleep today.

Oatsamazing · 30/11/2021 05:13

Drinking chilled water will help keep you awake if you get sleepy. Hope you have an easy day Flowers

Original poster
Yafilthyanimal · 30/11/2021 05:24

Didn't manage a winkSad

Considering ringing in sick which I never do but then that may be worse?

OP posts:
Egghead68 · 30/11/2021 05:45

Don’t phone in sick (unless you are an air traffic controller or something). Plenty of people have to work after no sleep occasionally. Have some strong coffee and get on with it.

SnowSurprise · 30/11/2021 05:48

Considering ringing in sick which I never do but then that may be worse?
Depends. Do you need to drive? Do you think you can drive safely? If it's a yes and a no then you should probably consider it. If you don't need to drive, I'd say try and work and if you really feel awful later on then (people will see and) you can go home early.

gofg · 30/11/2021 05:51

We've all had to do it OP, you will be fine.

Original poster
Yafilthyanimal · 30/11/2021 06:05

I'm worried I will cry all day or have a panic attack.

It's so unlike me but I am dealing with grief at the moment and it's hitting me hard this week.

Parent passed away 2 months ago, had 2 weeks off worm then went back. Have felt OK but this last week has be hard for some reason.

OP posts:
Turquoiseandgold · 30/11/2021 06:07

Cut yourself some slack and call in sick. Have a down day of reading or internet xmas shopping. I know how it feels and it's hard to function.

AwkwardSquad · 30/11/2021 06:12

Call in sick and have a rest, make an appointment with your GP. Sounds like you need a bit of help at the moment, reach out now rather than trying to keep going. I’m going through something very similar, but coming out the other side now. Look after yourself Flowers

User5252727 · 30/11/2021 06:14

You poor soul. Insomnia is awful.

Don't overcaffeinate to compensate, or you will fuck up your sleep tonight as well. Drink plenty of water, eat well, and try to get out for some fresh air at lunch time.

Tonight, stay up for a reasonable amount of time (at least 9pm) before going to bed.

Are you on any medication for your anxiety? I had anxiety induced insomnia for a few months and was prescribed a low dose of amitryptiline. It did wonders for me.

Terminallysleepdeprived · 30/11/2021 06:15

Be kind to yourself op. I suffer anxiety and regularly have nights where I get no sleep. It is hard going but you can don't.

However given your update I would ring in not necessarily sick but I would explain to your boss what the issue is and explain you need a couple of days

User5252727 · 30/11/2021 06:15

Should also add - if you do call in sick, it's absolutely fine. Mental health is as valid a reason for a sick day as physical health. So sorry for your loss Thanks