• Replies 7 replies
  • Subscribers 29 subscribers
  • Views 237 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
Related
Hints and tips
  • To quote someone's message, first select/highlight the relevant text, and then use the Quote button that appears
  • To "mention" someone, type @ followed by the start of the forum name, and choose from the list; that person will get a notification of being mentioned

Cannot stay asleep since leaving my job

Autismman

I am not too stressed about leaving the job but I do feel I shut down somewhat in order to not have to process the full reality of the situation in one go. Since I have left I have changed my routine to sleep on the sofa in the front room staying up late and watching Netflix because sleeping in my bed feels as though I am going back to work, this may sound odd but it makes me uncomfortable. I’ve found myself waking up multiple times in the night for no apparent reason, I’ve even cut down on the caffeine towards the evening so I am not visiting the toilet so often but this isn’t the problem. There’s a deep sense of unease within me that seems to disturb me throughout the night, I have a lot going on outside of the professional world of work including autistic children and the uncertainty of where we are going to live soon due to being evicted. I’m good as suppressing my thoughts and worries as a coping mechanism so perhaps this is why my sleep is so disturbed. I had similar problems with sleep at the start of the year but that was coupled with severe anxiety, I am not sure how to fix my sleep issue, perhaps I shall have to wait it out.

  • in reply to Iain

    Thanks Iain, therapists are hard to come by without the $$$ so I’ll have to make do and fix the situation to the best of my ability. I’m sure as you say all these issues I am facing are the root cause of my sleep issues, not having any certainty and being out of the control of major life issues is part of life for some people sometimes. I’m awaiting temporary accommodation but this won’t kick in till the heavies arrive at the door. 

  • in reply to Lotus

    Thanks Lotus, feeling like death today, it’s worse first thing in the morning. I easily fall into bad habits so waking up in the night although not what I choose becomes the norm and now I seem to have forgotten how to shut off and let myself relax mentally even in my sleep. I don’t go to bed anxious or worried but when asleep those emotions seem to wake up.

  • in reply to Deleted User

    Thanks for your reply, I didn’t mention the nightmares I’ve been experiencing either in my post but these have come out of nowhere directed by god knows who. They are often very bizarre to the point I lose all identity and am living the life of others. They often have fantasy elements like I’ve turned into a vampire for example. The strangest thing is I don’t dream, it’s a really rare occurrence for me until late of course. 

  • I am sorry to hear you are going through this.

    Sounds like me; and for me as well it's my everyday supressed issues that seem to disrupt it. I both struggle to sleep and with nightmares. Days ago I felt bad writing an email to my psychologist on her holidays. Then I had a nightmare about it.

    I find that these help:

    • Talking about it (not so helpful),
    • Doing sport (helpful),
    • Stopping using the phone or laptop after 7pm, and reading instead (helpful). 
    • Having a very hot shower or a bath if you have the chance (most helpful)
    • A bowl of oats at about 1 hr before sleep time (may not be best for other reasons though.) (mildly helpful)
    • Reduce caffeine (like you do; this is also essential for some of us)

    All of them are helpful, but for me personally it is the longish very hot shower the most help (and no phone afterwards.)

    Sadly, it does not stop the nightmares, but that's a different story.

  • I had some sleep problems when I first retired, I kept waking up and dreaming I had to go to work - it took my brain a while to process the change, so with time yours should too. 

    I agree with Iain that tackling your housing problem should help. Make a list of everything you can do to find somewhere to live, and a to do list (check lettings websites, call or visit the council, use a benefits calculator to see if you can get any financial help, etc)

    Also, talk to someone - preferably in real life, but if you can't do that keep talking to us. Sometimes when you get feedback and support from others, problems don't seem so insurmountable.

    I wish you well

  • Dear Autismman,

    Thank you for sharing this with our community. While we are waitng for the ommunity to respond, you may want to take a look a our page about sleep: https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/physical-health/sleep 

    Apart from sleep, our employment pages include information and advice on looking for an applying for a job. We also have a webpage offering information and support on in your rights at work, dealing with bullying and interacting and coping at work.  

    You can also find a free online ‘Finding Employment’ module on our website. This module is designed to help autistic job seekers entering the job market in understanding their strengths and what next steps they could take towards gaining meaningful employment or work. 

    Our Spectrum Live online series also features an episode discussing employment, this can be found here. 

    Evenbreak matches disabled job seekers with employers to build a diverse workforce. You can visit the Evenbreak website for listed job vacancies. 

    The British Association of Supported Employment (BASE), have a database of supported employment agencies, so you can search for one in your local area. 

    Maximus offer a range of employability programmes throughout the UK, Including, programmes for disabled people who are struggling to fine work. 

    Our current employment and volunteering opportunities with The National Autistic Society are listed on our vacancies page.  We particularly welcome applications from autistic people. 

    Thank you Autismman. I hope this helps!

    With all good wishes,

    Eunice Mod

  • Autismman said:
    I’m good as suppressing my thoughts and worries as a coping mechanism so perhaps this is why my sleep is so disturbed.

    This is most likely the cause in my opinion.

    When you sleep your brain processes a lot of what has gone on in your day so you have a lot of stressful stuff on the go and this will get mulled over by your subconcious and quite possibly will result in a stress related response, and it could be this which is breaking your rest.

    If you are unable to get to process this with a therapist then you may be able to make yourself tired with an evening run, gym session or some, err, manual relief.

    Tackling the issues seems the most effective way to get back on track though. Find a solution to the housing issue, face your issues etc and regain a feeling of control.

    That would be my thoughts on it.