Sleep problems

For a long while I have had sleep problems. They get worse with stress. Night before last I managed a couple of hours. Last night was bad and couldn't sleep at all. I have to work today and have no leeway even though I feel bad.

I have tried meditation, the breathing exercises. Everything really but nothing worked.

How do you cope and how do you help yourself get some sleep? Any advice much appreciated 

  • Hi NAS80386,

    I am very sorry you have been experiencing problems with sleep. I wonder whether you may find our page on Sleep and Autism useful. Please find the link here:

    https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/physical-health/sleep/autistic-adults

    You will find some information, helpful tips and links to further advice if you wish to find out more. 

    I really hope there is something there to help you. 

    Best wishes, 

    Anna Mod

  • I sympathise with you. It’s like rolling the dice every night as to how much sleep and what quality it will be. and laying awake in the dark overthinking the ramifications of not getting enough sleep just adds to the spiral. 

    I’m sure it goes against all healthy advice but I have my iPad propped up and I can quickly bang on a video I’ve watched many times. Usually retro games or something I know about so it’s not overstimulating but breaks the thought cycle and allows my brain to just think about something else. 

    I also make sure I have things near me that mean I don’t have to get up and out of bed when I’m struggling, a banana and a drink say in case I get hungry or thirsty and start obsessing about that. 

    the last thing I’d say is that the night makes me feel so much more anxious. When the day starts and there’s light, it might take a while, but the anxiety drops away little by little. So try and trust that even if you’re laying awake and feeling like it’s the end of the world at night, getting to sunrise will make it feel a bit more ok.