I am in a group with some other ADHD Coaches and this week we decided that our blogs would focus on sleep. One of the things we decided to blog about was what to do when we don’t get enough sleep. When we came up with this idea it had been quite a while since I didn’t get a good night’s sleep. My sleeping schedule used to be CRAZY but over the past year or so it’s become pretty regular and most nights I get enough sleep.
Of course we all get off track and have bad days or nights every now and then. Last night was one those nights for me. I just couldn’t fall asleep and had things to do today so I had to get up by a certain time. I think I got about 5 or 6 hours of sleep last night. This is NOT enough sleep for me. I need close to 8 hours of sleep to be at my best.
Well, after waking up I had to remind myself that I didn’t get enough sleep and I wasn’t going to be functioning like I do on most days. I need to remind myself that I woud probably be more irritable and overwhelmed than typical days. I had to modify things today.
One of the things I had to modify was exercising. After an awful night’s sleep I thought I was too tired to go to the gym. I was VERY tempted not to go. However I’ve learned that when I don’t work out it becomes even harder for me to fall asleep. I got myself to the gym and a shorter work out than most days. Instead of not doing it at all I modified my regular activity.
What about you? How do you get through the day when you haven’t had enough sleep?
4 replies to "Dealing with a Bad Night’s Sleep"
I like your strategy, Tara. How do you remember/notice that you haven’t had enough sleep and need to be aware of it? Last night I got 5 hours (not enough for me either) because I woke up with a sore throat and couldn’t go back to sleep. Yet as I went through the morning (feeling more and more overwhelmed) it didn’t occur to me that a) sleep deprivation could be to blame for some overwhelm, and b)a potential support could be adjusting my day. Even after I ready the sleep post on Thinkythink and you mentioned your sleep post. How do you get your brain to notice, then stop and think these things through? [Or, more reasonably, what are some strategies you use to do that?]
coffee….
I always make sure that i hit the bed before 11’o clock and start reading a novel.This has worked for me (i make sure that novel is not too interesting– its better to read something heavy or complex).
Hi Tara,
As an active ADHD coach in Israel, I would be interested, if possible, to visit and maybe even join your ADHD coaches group.