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Original poster

Not slept a wink and have to go into the office

104 replies

Letmeinletmein · 21/10/2025 05:46

I was recently off work for 2 weeks on annual leave and got back last Wednesday. I have been back in work since Friday so I’ve done two days back in but unfortunately, since being home I haven’t been sleeping. I’ve had about 2-3 hours from Wednesday onwards and last night has been the worst. I took a n antihistamine in hopes it would work as a sleeping tablet and still no luck, in fact I haven’t slept AT ALL. I feel very stressed and panicked and mentally don’t feel capable of working but I feel like that’s really bad after I’ve just been off for 2 weeks.

We are a small team of 4 people and one of them is already off on long term sick so there’s only 3 of us in. Today is supposed to be my first day back in the office (yesterday and Friday were WFH days) but I am really really dreading this. I don’t feel fit to drive, especially coming home from work after I will no doubt feel so much worse at the end of the day. I have physical symptoms of lack of sleep now like a raging headache and dizziness, and I mentally feel like I won’t be able to concentrate and I feel a lot of stress and anxiety.

I don’t feel like there’s anything I can do though due to me already being off for 2 weeks plus the other team member being off. Is that bad on the team? If you were me would you call in sick or ask to WFH or would you feel like you have to push through and go in? I don’t even think I could last the whole work day. I don’t even want to call in sick because I have so much work to do that has piled up over the 2 weeks I’ve been off. I don’t have to be up until 8 but now I can’t even try to get the last few hours in because I’m worrying about work

OP posts:

EleanorReally · 21/10/2025 05:48

can you ask to work from home today?

Original poster

Letmeinletmein · 21/10/2025 05:49

EleanorReally · 21/10/2025 05:48

can you ask to work from home today?

I can ask yeah but I feel like that’s really bad of me. I’ve already been off for 2 weeks and we don’t even have a full team in as it is, I feel like my boss might be pissed off. But at the same time, I don’t really feel fit to go in. I wouldn’t drive, I would have to pay for Ubers which is £20 there and £20 back

OP posts:

Guavafish1 · 21/10/2025 05:51

I think you should go to work

DarkForces · 21/10/2025 05:52

Calm has some brilliant sleep stories and meditations. I'd try their free 30 days. Back to sleep by Jerome Glynn is my favourite. Worrying about not sleeping stops you from drifting off. You need to let yourself sink into the mattress and focus on giving yourself permission to just be and work through your body asking it to let go. He talks you through it. It's really helped me.
There are other similar apps or Google free sleep meditations if you prefer but I'd recommend trying them out.

TheThingsYouDoForLurve · 21/10/2025 05:53

I’d go in. There’s definitely been times in my career where I’ve been beyond exhausted, having done 2 or 3 days in a row of 8am till 2am finishes (due to the job) before the travel in and out of the office. You will survive and surprise yourself at how you got through it.

Hungrycaterpillarsmummy · 21/10/2025 05:54

You have the fear.
Once you're in, you'll be fine.

AtlasPine · 21/10/2025 05:56

You’re right not to consider driving. That’s a really wise decision.

I do feel for you - it’s horrible to be sleep deprived.

If you really think working from home would be majorly negative then perhaps just take the uber cost on the chin and rock up. You’d need to make it clear when you get there that you are having this issue but working on it. Perhaps you could leave early?

Bimblebombles · 21/10/2025 05:59

I’d go in. If you skip today and sleep during the day to catch up you’ll be in a cycle of finding it difficult to sleep at night again. You’ll manage and will be so tired by end of day you’ll be back in a routine of proper night sleep again

Original poster

Letmeinletmein · 21/10/2025 06:04

Thanks everyone, yes I knew it was the right thing to do to go in, which is why I’m feeling so panicked, because I know that I have to really.

I have had phases of insomnia before and got through the work day but it’s always been hell and it ends up making me feel so ill. I have to take toilet breaks to sit and close my eyes because I can’t physically keep them open due to them being so sore from staring at the computer all day paired with the tiredness. Then I go home with a migraine. But that’s always been on like 4 hours sleep. I’ve actually never in my life had a night where I’ve not slept at all so I think I’m just over worrying

OP posts:

harveythehorse · 21/10/2025 06:06

Try Phernergan sleeping tablets - they aren't addictive but work like magic. You're not groggy the next day but sleep well.

Not helpful for today but work might be a good distraction. Perhaps have a word with your line manager and express that you're struggling with insomnia and may need to leave early?

TattooStan · 21/10/2025 06:08

I was signed off for a month at the beginning of the year with sudden, severe insomnia. I lost the ability to sleep completely.
I dragged myself to work, but didn't know where I was and could barely function and felt so deeply nauseous.
I tried EVERYTHING (both legal and illegal) to help me sleep, but nothing worked. I was eventually given 15mg of mirtazapine, which did the trick, and which I'm still on unfortunately, but with zero side effects - so I'll continue with it.
I suggest you go to a doctor ASAP. People who haven't gone through it don't know what it's like. They think it's similar to the sleeplessness of having a baby, but it's not. When you are totally exhausted, have nothing keeping you awake, but are "wired" and can't sleep, it's torture.

Original poster

Letmeinletmein · 21/10/2025 06:08

harveythehorse · 21/10/2025 06:06

Try Phernergan sleeping tablets - they aren't addictive but work like magic. You're not groggy the next day but sleep well.

Not helpful for today but work might be a good distraction. Perhaps have a word with your line manager and express that you're struggling with insomnia and may need to leave early?

That is what I took last night. It didn’t work 😢

I did think about telling him but not sure if it sounds a bit pathetic. If I didn’t have any of the physical and mental symptoms and I just felt tired, then I’d get on with it. But the fact I’m starting the saying with a massive headache, feeling dizzy and exhausted and am about to go into an office with bright harsh lights, people buzzing around all day, meetings, and computer screens is filling me with complete dread

OP posts:

EleanorReally · 21/10/2025 06:16

you need to look away from the screen remember, every 30 minutes, focus on a distance. keep hydrated.

Bimblebombles · 21/10/2025 06:19

go for a walk on your breaks just round the block or something, get air throughout the day

Empress13 · 21/10/2025 06:28

If everyone had a day off due to tiredness and not sleeping nothing would get done. Pull on your big girl pants and get yourself to work

harveythehorse · 21/10/2025 06:28

Letmeinletmein · 21/10/2025 06:08

That is what I took last night. It didn’t work 😢

Show quote history

What dose did you take? I am like a rhino to knock out (generally no over the counter sleeping pills work for me) but these are a sure thing. Im so sorry they’re not the same for you.
Do you have a spare room you can go to for a change of scene in the night? That sometimes
works for me.

And it doesn’t sound pathetic - sleep deprivation is a very real thing & you can’t help it.

sleepeasie · 21/10/2025 06:29

I did a 11 hour day on 3.5 hours last week, survived better than I expected, was on public transport though. It’s a good idea to get an uber if you’re not safe to drive. I would show willing and do what you can.

In the longer term, your GP can probably refer you for CBTi. I’m on my way out of long term insomnia and happy to discuss what’s helped, also National Sleep Helpline were really helpful. If this started with a change of time zones on holiday then the key to reset your circadian rhythm will be bright light in daytime, dim light an hour before bedtime, regular meal times, and avoid naps especially after lunchtime. Vitamin C has also helped me with migraines and sleep quality. Then add relaxing, soothing things. It feels so desperate, but you will get through the day one way or another, and find your way back to a good sleep pattern soon. Best of luck with it all.

Original poster

Letmeinletmein · 21/10/2025 06:30

Empress13 · 21/10/2025 06:28

If everyone had a day off due to tiredness and not sleeping nothing would get done. Pull on your big girl pants and get yourself to work

I know that, I go into work tired all the time as I often do have trouble sleeping. I wouldn’t call in just due to tiredness. I’m only panicking now about it because I feel unwell. I’m not sure how much work I will genuinely be able to get done if I have a migraine and am dizzy. But saying that, I am going to go in

OP posts:

OfTheNight · 21/10/2025 06:30

Try to be proactive about managing today, can you stop on the way to work and get some painkillers (aspirin works best for me for an oncoming migraine)? Get some nice snacks and drinks to keep you going. Cooling eye drops will help too.

Then have a sleep positive strategy for the evening — no screens an hour before bed, try sleep stories/meditation, wind down yoga or just get cosy with a good book.

Work will help you regulate again and mean you are tired. Hopefully, that will result in better sleep tonight.

CinnamonCrunch33 · 21/10/2025 06:31

You have a coffee, and get on with it.

If sleep is a problem for you continually, you see a doctor and work out a solution.

Crimble123 · 21/10/2025 06:31

You are replaceable to work and irreplaceable to loved ones. You cant help feeling ill and not sleeping

Catsknowbest · 21/10/2025 06:32

Magnesium saved my life with sleep issues- they were exacerbated by menopause. I really recommend it

shihtzuu · 21/10/2025 06:32

Why arent you sleeping. Have you drank enough water? Are you cold? I know it's stupid but I can't sleep tonight either because I had the saltiest meal and am so dehydrated. You need to look after body and cover the basics yo get a good night's sleep. You're running on cortisol (adrenaline) which is why your so tired. Don't suffer, make your life easier yourself (it's easy to just sit and wallow in the pain of a headache etc than just make sure you've got enough water !!) and dont go to work until you have covered the basics. Sorry I'm being a bitch but my boyfriend always has to remind me. I ve had chronic insomnia so I know what it's like, and pills only help the symptoms x

Original poster

Letmeinletmein · 21/10/2025 06:34

OfTheNight · 21/10/2025 06:30

Then have a sleep positive strategy for the evening — no screens an hour before bed, try sleep stories/meditation, wind down yoga or just get cosy with a good book.

Work will help you regulate again and mean you are tired. Hopefully, that will result in better sleep tonight.

Thank you, this is helpful. Tesco is only a few minutes from me so I’ll drive there before I get an uber in and get some bits

OP posts:

Original poster

Letmeinletmein · 21/10/2025 06:34

Catsknowbest · 21/10/2025 06:32

Magnesium saved my life with sleep issues- they were exacerbated by menopause. I really recommend it

I just started taking magnesium 2 days ago! How long does it take to kick in?

OP posts:

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