To think “I’ll sleep when I’m dead” is not a flex - it’s a red flag?

[MyAmusedOpalCrab]

I keep seeing people act like running on no sleep, burning out, or never resting is something to be proud of - like exhaustion is a badge of honour.

AIBU to think this mindset is toxic, unproductive, and kind of sad? Resting isn’t weakness - it’s basic self-respect.

Harold Bishop once said it in Neighbours and he was a good virtuous God fearing man and I don’t think you should read so much into it

No, it’s a Bon Jovi song.

It's just a way of signalling to others 'wow I'm so busy and in-demand and the world would fall apart with me because I'm so important', tbh.

The glamourisation of exhaustion, stress, overwork and poor sleep is sad really. It isn't a flex to say you don't get enough sleep. It should be a flex to say 'I get 7-9hr of good quality sleep every night'!

lol Harold bishop

I don't say it as a flex. I usually say it in response to people commenting that I can't possibly function on 3-4 hours of sleep. Which to be fair I barely do function. But as a chronic insomniac there's not much I can do.

My granny used to say it. She wasn't toxic or anything like that - just always on the go.

It's a red flag if someone's saying it and hoping to be taken seriously as a non-stop go-getter. That's a bit dickish and I find people like that tiresome.

People say it flippantly usually though, just something to say to let others know they're a bit frazzled but plodding on.

I've only ever heard it used flippantly/ironically. I used to say it when my kids were babies and not sleeping 'never mind, I'll sleep when I'm dead'. It was my way of laughing at the situation (in between crying).

I actually think we're in an age where 'self care' and 'boundaries' and all that are spoken about everywhere so I don't see it as an issue really.

How old are you OP?
I’ve never said it out loud but it’s very much how I think. I’m mid 50’s and very aware that there are only so many overnight coach trips/ 5am starts to collect loved ones/ wild swimming and hiking holidays in me. It motivates me.

Completely depends why they are getting no sleep. A lot of people don't get the option of 8-9 hours sleep due to balancing caring responsibilities with their work. Health can also be a factor. I always think those that get 9 hours must very much prioritise themselves or not have much else to think about.

I say "I'll die if I don't get enough sleep".

I just know it as a Warren Zevon song. Later Bon Jovi. It was popular amongst skateboarders for a while because of one of the Jackass boys.

I don't think it's intended to be taken as a legitimate life mantra, by all means don't live by the words if you don't agree with them. You can actually do that you know. Not everything has to be branded as "toxic".

I get that and I actually think your take is really different from what I meant. What you’re describing sounds like making the most of life while you can. I was talking more about hustle culture types who treat rest like laziness and brag about overwork. That’s not vitality, that’s burnout disguised as ambition.

Also a song by a brilliant British punk band from Essex, they keep it real though "i'll sleep when i'm dead or when i'm next in my bed" 😄😄

I say this when I am going away every weekend over the summer, spending lots of time outdoors, doing loads of hobbies, socialising and having so much fun I start to feel exhausted.
It’s just a silly way of saying I’m enjoying my life.

Haha I have said this as a Bond Villain reference....
I usually just mean there's so much stuff I want to do and not enough time to do everything

Yeah, it has become a badge of honour. I’ve said it myself on a few occasions but more as a curse - like ‘I’ll sleep when I’m dead (which will be very bloody soon if work keeps up at this rate)’.

You see it more and more on social media from those ‘rise at 3.30am hustle culture’ guys. If I could get a solid 8 hours a night and just work my contracted hours…now THAT would be a flex.

I get nine hours sleep, I am self employed and a carer. I have a lot to think about, thank you.

Dh says it occasionally normally when I'm fretting about the amount of work he's having to do because he's keeping everything afloat at home while I'm dealing with family stuff in a separate country. He means it in a reassuring manner.

Full-time work AND full-time carer, plus 9 hours sleep. What's your secret?

I use it the same way @Springflowersyay …. When people tell me I’m busy, I’m likely to flippantly say either that or “can’t cope being bored”.

I like a packed schedule. I don’t like these weekends mumsnetters seem
to like where you stay at home/chill/relax. There’s nothing wrong with it, but it’s not for me.

My husband says this, he functions on very little sleep. I always say "you'll be dead alot sooner if you don't sleep"

Started playing in my head soon as i read the title. You too I see 😂

What’s a flex?

ChatGPt wrote this.
Can you explain why your title, your post and following comments have all been either run through or entirely written through AI?
It's so much better to ask and share your thoughts authentically.