Hi does anyone struggle with needing naps on most days if you aren’t mentally stimulated? I get overwhelmed I think and completely exhausted physically do to the overwhelm of responsibilities and sleep more than I’d like to. Does anyone relate?
I have so many issues with being chronically tired. My therapist pisses me off because she thinks I need less Adderall because she’s worried that I might not sleep enough. I’m like lady I’m in a coma half the time.
Yes! It’s called intrusive sleep. When an ADHD brain gets under stimulated It shocks our system into thinking it’s sleep time. It can also happen when over stimulated. It is often mistaken for narcolepsy. It can become dangerous during long drives. There is a whole article about it on ADDitude Magazine. There’s still not a lot of research about it
So interesting! I’ve wondered if it was narcolepsy. I do sleep when I’m over and underwhelmed.
I crash and end up napping when I’m overstimulated. I literally just shut down and have to nap.
So sorry you have this struggle too!
Yes exactlyy. It's such a struggle. Sleep is definitely a coping mechanism for me and it can be really detrimental. Falling into that habit will only make you more tired and more overwhelmed with responsibilities. It'll train your brain to release those sleepy chemicals when you get stressed. The thing that I try my hardest to live by is not listening to my brain. It sounds counterintuitive because in order to train your brain you have to ignore it sometimes. But it is true. It's the unproductive cruel side of the brain that overwhelms you and takes over. It's so important to take control of that and talk to yourself more than you listen to yourself. It seems so small but that mindset change will make a huge difference by making it so you don't get overwhelmed as easy. Of course it all takes time and consistency so start little by little like forcing yourself to get out of bed even if you feel like that's the last thing you want to. But don't forget to reward yourself for getting out of bed !! It's so important. Good luck amazing human :))
This is me. I shut down when I’m overwhelmed and overstimulated by what all I need to do and end up napping. Then, yes, it became a habit to where I wanted to sleep the same time in the afternoon. It absolutely made things worse because then I just felt guilty for not doing anything.
Thanks so much for this, it’s really helpful. I will try! I notice it’s easier and does not happen when I’m out and about with people, especially if my entire day goes well. Things I “need” to do feel so so exhausting !
Yes always exhausted. Have you had your thyroid checked?
No and I’m sooo afraid of blood tests that I’ve been putting it off for ten years. I’ve had four or five doctors recommend having my thyroid checked out but I’m so afraid it’s going to turn into endless blood tests and doctors appointments..though I know it’s also the only way through. Thank you for bringing this up
Same here 🙄
I feel for you too!🙏🏼
Oof yes especially if I have a long list of things to do. Decision paralysis sets in and I can’t do anything but just sleep.
Seriously, that’s when it hits especially hard.
I sleep only for four hours during the night with almost none of light sleeping. Usually, only deep and rem are divided such that rem is around 60 percent. During the day, I take two power naps of 20-25 minutes. If, for some reason, I get 30+ minutes, I cannot recover from sleep for at least two hours.
Sounds like you have it down to a science!
Relate 100% !
Totally wish you didn’t, but at least we’re not in it alone
Yes very much
