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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Can I work/do a presentation on 3 hours sleep?

56 replies

BitBehind · 15/06/2022 07:11

Feeling panicked and exhausted. Only managed 3 hours sleep last night (body refusing to sleep until 1am and then a child awake from 2 - 4am). I've got an "away day" all day and am presenting to the whole company in 2 hours. I actually feel light headed and weird.

Do I tell my boss? I just feel like that mum who always has a story of illness, no sleep etc and like I never have my shit together

Any positive words of encouragement welcome

OP posts:
Jovanka · 15/06/2022 07:58

You can do it. Eat something proper. Coffee. Ice cold water. Don’t tell your boss.

Mumteedum · 15/06/2022 07:58

Ha...I'm a lecturer. In the early days with my ds, I operated constantly on little or no sleep. Caffeine is your friend. Also, I remember blanking on occasion due to exhaustion. You just have to be straight. I told the class, sorry... I'll have to come back to that! (I was literally mid sentence)

You can of course make a small remark in passing to explain if you fluff anything but don't worry you'll be fine.

Oh and the night before I did my big job interview, I was in a hotel .. accidentally got drunk to calm my nerves... couldn't sleep... I had to absolutely wing it on adrenaline. And I did. Plus a fire alarm went off mid presentation and had to evacuate 🤣

LemonJuiceFromConcentrate · 15/06/2022 08:01

You’ll be fine. Don’t tell the boss, it’ll come across like you expect extra ‘points’/consideration for coping, even if that isn’t what you intend. Good luck.

Original poster
BitBehind · 15/06/2022 08:03

I was going to text my boss but you've all persuaded me otherwise. She is so supportive and has two young kids herself (but at primary and sleep isn't issue) but she remembers what it was like and is always checking in.

But there is another manager who always seems to come to every big meeting with something...trip to A&E, leak in the kitchen, car broken down, kids unwell and everyone actually supportive but think fair amount of eye rolling and I've had a few things myself recently and I just want to seem reliable

But also I feel so so bloody tired!!

OP posts:
goldfinchonthelawn · 15/06/2022 08:06

You can do it. Not on a regular basis but as a one off, of course you can. Have caffeine and water and protein. Run through your material, simplify anything that goes in to unnecessary details. Do a few jumps and stretches ot wake you up. Everyone has to do this sometimes. It's only long term that it isn't sustainable. I wouldn't cry off to your boss. We should all be able to cope with the occasional far-from-ideal conditions and still deliver.

Original poster
BitBehind · 15/06/2022 08:07

Your stories of doing tough stuff on no sleep is helping me pull myself together.

About to get on a train for a hour. To try and sleep or to run through notes? Hmmmm..

OP posts:
libbyamelia · 15/06/2022 08:10

Don't tell the boss. It will make you look unprofessional. Just crack on, caffeine boost and crash afterwards.

coffeecupsandfairylights · 15/06/2022 08:10

You'll be absolutely fine, honestly.

I do sympathise as I've done loads of shifts on little to no sleep in the past - but you just need to crack on with it. Have a shower, make a strong cup of coffee and eat something first though!

Yes, it sucks, but it's life and I don't know anyone who hasn't gone to work on little to no sleep at least once normally much more

Original poster
BitBehind · 15/06/2022 08:12

I should also say DS2 has never slept through the night. So while last night was much much worse than the usual it's off the back of 18 months broken sleep. Went back to work after 4 months as needed the money. But I know its just what we have to do. There is a male director who has kids same age as mine and he seems to have boundless energy. 😂

OP posts:
FinallyHere · 15/06/2022 08:16

I wouldn't do the caffeine thing, I'd rely on the adrenaline which will kick in when you force yourself to get up.

The dangerous time for me would be after it's over, when you might well be tired and need extra care to get home etc. I might be tempted to lightly mention to the boss afterwards when you have done a great job. And need to get myself home without incident.

You have got this. Your body is superb at rising to occasional challenges. Be aware of the dangers of long term stress if you start to rely on this 'fight or flight' mechanism everyday.

Good luck. You have got it today.

FinallyHere · 15/06/2022 08:18

try and sleep or run through your notes

Close your eyes and Co guts up a really strong picture in vivid colour of you doing really really well. The power of visualisation really can be your friend.

Valeriekat · 15/06/2022 08:19

Your boss would be irritated and not give you any sympathy so I wouldn't bother.

girlmom21 · 15/06/2022 08:20

You can do it on 3 hours sleep. Don't have coffee or red bull like the PP's are suggesting because you'll crash at some point.

Eat something fresh, drink plenty of water, try and look after yourself with everything else that's good for you, and if you can grab an hours nap absolutely do it.

Lemonyfuckit · 15/06/2022 08:20

You've got this OP, you can do hard things, and the adrenaline will get you through and then you'll crash later. Go get 'em!

FriendlyPineapple · 15/06/2022 08:20

IME once you are on the go, you're fine. I actually quite liked those days when I had little kids, I felt like Super Woman 😁

I wouldn't mention it, what would the outcome you want be? Not to do the presentation? That works look pretty crap. You can't really not do your job because you're tired.

Sending strong caffeine vibes your way!

Lalliella · 15/06/2022 08:22

Don’t tell your boss. Adrenaline will carry you through. You’re an amazing woman - doing well in her career and dealing with a child at home. You’ve got this OP - go and smash it!

Lndnmummy · 15/06/2022 08:31

You got this. If not to late and you have already left do everything you can to feel great about yourself. Favourite perfume, comfy underwear, clothes you feel successful in, your best lipstick. Whatever it may be. Do you have a foundation, shoes or a perfume you save for "best"? Today is best day, get it all on you. Then you fake it. Broad smile, shoulders down, head high. Fake the energy and the adrenaline will do the rest.

Don't tell anyone. There is no need.

motogirl · 15/06/2022 08:31

Yes you can! Coffee, something to eat and go for it. I've done this do many times, dd slept 5 hours max from around 7 (asd) and even once she didn't disturb me I listened out, she doesn't live with me most the year (university) and I still only sleep 4 hours

Greengagesnfennel · 15/06/2022 08:37

Not sure which vote is which but, don't tell boss. Mentioning sleep should be reserved for chronic sleep problems not a 1 night event.

You sound stressed about the away day and this presentation is perhaps out of your comfort zone? It's mpossible to do these things without a bit of stress and poor sleep beforehand but you have a few hours more and it will all be over. Coffee is your friend.

jeffbezoz · 15/06/2022 08:47

Yes I did mine on 4hrs .. the adrenaline pushed it forward and it went really well. But I was prepped for it.

Luredbyapomegranate · 15/06/2022 08:55

You’ll be fine - Adrenaline is a marvellous thing and will carry you through.

I think you are also just feeling stressed about the away day? Nerves are a natural part of pre-performance, they aren’t a sign that anything is wrong.

Put all that aside and focus on whatever normal prep you need to do. Deep breaths, eat something, coffee if it helps (not too much.)

And maybe go to the loo when you get there and do the dominant ape 🦧 position in the loo - you know legs bent, arms aloft in victory. There is some scientific study that it works - it’s jolly anyway.

Don’t mention it to the boss, it’s not a big enough issue.

Good luck! However it goes you’ll have done your best and it’ll be good enough. There will be plenty of presentation days to come.

IwaswhoIam · 15/06/2022 10:21

I would do the presentation. I’ve done a lot on 3 hours sleep or less : gave birth, ran a marathon, work conferences, long road trips, presentations, interviews

( not all in one day 😆)

It’s shocking what you can accomplish on no sleep .

StartupRepair · 15/06/2022 10:26

I have learned I can do anything on no sleep. Just try not to think about it, use the adrenaline and prepare to crash afterwards. Don't tell your boss. Just go and smash it.

dillydally24 · 15/06/2022 10:31

Don't forget to tell us how it went!

comealongponds · 15/06/2022 10:57

Don’t tell your boss, it wouldn’t achieve anything and looks like you’re pre-empting it going badly

i also disagree with PP who said introduce yourself and mention your DC in your presentation. Its become a bit of a done thing where I work but most of us watching the presentations find it very cringy, and a bit “look at me I’m so relatable”. Nobody cares, just keep it professional.