I stay up late because it's one of the only things about my life I can control.....?

Question

I have to be up in 5 hours for work and for some reason I love to sit up in my bed on the internet or reading a book - anything except sleeping - because I can!!
It makes me suffer the next day but I love to feel in control of something!

Anyone else do this?

Answer 1

No. I can think of other ways to take control, especially if not sleeping is going to make me suffer. That sounds like out of control, not in control.

Answer 2

I do the same thing, and despite what others may say, it is actually very much a mental thing. It's not control, it's called insomnia, a sleeping disorder that can seriously effect your daily life, and is actually a major cause of depression due to your mental lack of much-needed rest. It does feel great to be able to sit up and chat online or read, or watch television, or what have you; as I said, I do the same thing constantly.

However, if you begin to feel down or you start losing track of things such as time and date more easily, the fun has gone and you are facing a very serious problem. I would suggest setting aside maybe one or two nights (nights when you will not have to go to work the next day) when you CAN stay up all night and have your fun, and devote the rest of the week to ensuring you get as much rest as possible. If necessary, trying something like Nytol or some low-grade sleep aid may be helpful, or you can talk to your doctor if you want to make sure it is safe or to learn of some possible alternatives.

Again, it's nothing to really worry about, but it IS actually a mental health issue.

Answer 3

I work nights, from 10pm to 8.30am. I do 4 nights, then have 4 nights off. When I'm on duty I sleep from 9am to 2.30pm without too many problems. On my nights off I go back to a day pattern and sleep from midnight to 8.30am. This helps with sleep debt.

However, in part this is about controlling sleep, because I have to; and controlling when to eat as well. It is not a problem because I have been working like this for nearly a year and it is easier to get into a regular routine.

I find reading before going to bed (when I'm not working) helps, especially on my first night off. I would strongly suggest avoid using the internet at bedtime, and read instead. After all, a bedroom is for sleeping, if not horizontal athletics.

Could you find other areas of life to control or change instead? A new job or hobby? Or a partner to soothe you away?

Suffering the next day due to lack of sleep takes away the control element, whereas sleeping properly will help you to be in control the next day, especially for driving, operating machines, and generally having better moods.

Answer 4

Yes I do and always did when I could be up late. My time seemed to be important until I felt sleep was needed. Before the Internet I would read a lot and I think it was extremely good for my well being. The net is good sometimes and less good at other times. A good contact on messenger makes it all worthwhile.

Answer 5

I'm exactly that way! Wow! I've never "met" anyone who thinks like me!

I work full time, have 2 kids, and a husband who's having heart surgery in 3 weeks - and it's overwhelming - and I don't have any time for myself - So sometimes, not all fo the time... I stay up really late doing something for myself - cooking, sewing, scrapbooking, surfing the net, whatever... just to have time to "be me" and have a life!

I spend all day every day being mom, wife, employee, daughter.... I need time to be me - and this is the only time I can do it.

Power to ya!

Answer 6

No its out of my control as im trying to study, then get onto the internet, then see things that interest me start to wake up but need my bed, catch 22?

Answer 7

um.. you don't need to sacrifice your precious sleep hours so you could have the feeling of "controlling" something! Sleep is so important, it keeps you beautiful and healthy! Try controlling these 2 privileges u have ( cuz beauty and health are privileges) instead of wasting them

Answer 8

oh my gosh yes! i am so not a morning person! i love staying up late, it makes me feel nocturnal. but really, there is something magical about the night, and its something only you at that very moment are experiencing. i guess my view is a bit different from yours but in the end we both like to stay up way late.

Answer 9

I average about 4 hours a `morning` cos i`me rarely in bed before 3 am!!!!....I just think we are all different and i`ve NEVER been one for early nights!!!!....i`me a night owl and I LOVE IT!!!!....can be a right pain tho getting up with the kids!!!!....LOL....x

Answer 10

I remember doing this a lot when I was in my most serious depressive episode. Are you also feeling depressed? Are you able to function at work? You may want to talk to someone about it.