Published on 12, July, 2020
Hey all, first post here but after attempts at asking other people and getting the same response every time ("have you tried earplugs?") I thought I would ask a group that might actually relate to me :,,)
I've always found it difficult to get to sleep, but ever since I've moved out for uni and been in shared accommodation, I find it near impossible to fall asleep when I have neighbours talking. I'm naturally an early bird, and feel best when I'm up and about at dawn, but unfortunately everyone I have been sharing flats and houses with are the polar opposite, preferring to be up late into the night (think anywhere between 1-4am). In my first year this resulted in me having to move from a shared flat to a studio flat at my own expense because the guys on either side of me would be up until 4am consistently and it was taking a hUge toll on my mental health.
I'm currently in a house with people who are generally very quiet but sometimes are also up on calls which I can hear through the walls. They're never super loud but my dumb brain now fixated on any voice I can hear and man it's awful. I lie awake getting sick with anxiety and growing increasingly frustrated, whilst being exhausted at the same time.
So I'm wondering if there's anything you guys have found that works in situations like this? I've tried earplugs but deep male voices can still get through them. I've taken sleep medication when I am literally at my wits end (sometimes I feel like I'm going to hurt myself out of frustration) but obviously that's no good to take in the long run so I've only had them a few occasions. Blasting white noise at full volume through my headphones used to be the only thing that would block out all types of voices and therefore actually let me relax and lower my heartrate enough to fall asleep, but that's no good for my eardrums and I often woke up uncomfortable with my headphones digging into my back or something lol
I've seen there are white noise machines out there- are they any good and worth the investment? And if there's any method of taking attention away from small sounds then please tell me your secrets because I'm desperate :)))
Thank you so much for reading and I appreciate any and all advice x
I don't think you necessarily have to buy a white noise machine. On YouTube there are many videos which last for over 8 hours, with white noise, rain noise, etc. You could just play one of those all night if you have a computer or laptop.
Wishing you well - hoping you find something that works for you!The best ear plugs I've found are 3M 1100 foam earplugs. If you tried them in combination with one of the noise videos, it might help?
I went to meet a person at a restaurant some years ago. It was a 'self declared' high end restaurant and when I saw it I thought well the wallpaper might say that but I didn't believe it. Because as I entered I was met with a wall of music blaring so loud that I found it extremely difficult to walk through the place, jammed with customers all talking very loudly in an effort to be heard above the music.
The most astonishing thing about the whole situation is that everybody looked comfortable with it! No faces appeared unsmiling (except mine probably).
I met my friend who had eaten dinner with their friends, said hello and waited for a break in conversation. When I began talking I could not even hear my own voice so I was unsure if my friend heard me. I couldn't hear their conversation. The only clue I had for a break was to watch their mouths all not moving. They appeared to hear other people so I said that I would wait outside for my friend to finish and assumed they had heard me so I got up to leave. I was racing out of the door. As I got to the door my friend had caught up with me, protesting that they had not heard me. I explained and said I would go somewhere quieter until they had exited the restaurant.
Voices do carry further at night, possibly due to fewer daytime sounds disguising them.
I’m super sensitive to loudness...restaurants wear me out...my brother talks so loud it’s like he’s yelling and I’m constantly asking him to use his inside voice because he tires me out, and my daughter hides from him. I’m also very sensitive to light...overhead lights make me want to puke...the sun without sunglasses is brutal.
myloweslife
Finally, are you getting enough exercise? Join a uni walking group (or Ramblers/ local one) or other activity. Social, nature, all good. You may then be too tired to stay awake at night. Or take a long walk daily. Eat healthily. I am talking like a mamma, but I care. Ignore all that doesn't fit.
The most important thing is to look after your mental health. Beware of taking sleeping pills on a regular basis. My son takes medication when needed but not regularly. Concerned that you are isolated. On a practical note, could you speak to the university chaplain. They are experienced with helping students. Attend their lunches for social. Concerned that you are not isolated - that's really important for your mental health.
I support my son who is overstimulated mentally and we have to live in a quiet home, so I understand. Particularly, though I am an early bird and I too would not be able to sleep like yourself; I am a light sleeper, so have had disruption all my life. Any early bird would have the same difficulty. I think maybe politely speaking to your neighbours, saying that you're an early bird, so find it difficult to get to sleep at night with noise (a normal thing; don't mention autism). Your present environment sounds more accommodating and they should respond positively. I wish you all the very best and every success in your studies.
https://soundcontrolservices.co.uk/how-to-soundproof-a-room/
https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/ideas/sleep-soundly-night-and-day-two-ways-to-soundproof-your-bedroom-pub3eed74c1