Sharp decline in sleep

[Dave Nicholson]

Very recently realised I have aspergers, have ADHD traits too. Before this I would sleep approx. 11pm - 6am. I still go to sleep at the same time, but in the last few days have been waking up earlier - yest 4am, today 3am. When I awake I'm not tired and I feel chilled.

Is this normal and should I expect to get less sleep, or is it just down to "excitement" of my discovery and I can expect a return to more of my usual routine?

 

[Raggamuffin]

Could be overexcitement or overstimulation. I find that tends to mean I take longer to get to sleep, rather than waking up early.

In Western Spiritualism - there is emphasis and importance to those who wake up around 3am. It's an "spiritual/conscious awakening" of sorts. So, if your thinking is that way inclined, or you're open to novel interpretations - it might be relevant to this recent discovery with regards to ADHD/Autism.

Best thing to to is be accepting and open of it happening. Don't attach worry to it, or convince yourself "this is me now". Sometimes when things happen, if we look on it negatively, and assume something bad will continue, or escalate - that's when you prevent your body's natural rhythm from doing what it does best.

Ed

 

[Neonatal RRT]

I agree with @Raggamuffin. Keep in mind,...you've always had Asperger's,...so, you haven't changed. However, since your diagnosis, you've got some learning to do so you are better educated, more self-aware, and can interact with your world better.

 

[Sarah S]

Sleep disorder in general is actually a known co morbid to ADHD & or ASD . I myself have had severe all my life (no medicine ever for any of my diagnosis) and learnt how to deal with it and in my case the body takes back what it has missed the next day and or night, or if i had a period of bad sleeping i get it back after that and during next day and night.

So, in conclusion I'd say it might be as me and be in ongoing periods where you have this sleeping pattern. & then i shouldn't worry about it

BUT if you find that this makes youre everyday life more difficult and youre always tired and so on then it's a good idea to contact youre doctor to see if they can help you.

 

[Raggamuffin]

I think, once you start labelling yourself with a disorder - your mind can start preventing the body's natural rhythm.

Just my 2 cents anyway. I had 24/7 aches n pains from anxiety since 2012. It's vastly improving in recent weeks due to a very intense change of mindset, and circumstances. This pattern has ebbed and flowed since 2012 in general - periods of reduced stress led to improvements in physical pains and symptoms etc. But sometimes I think diagnoses can be harmful to the mind, which can stress it further, which then stresses the body - a vicious cycle is born.

But before that, I had people recommend I get a diagnosis for Fibro. I Googled it, did a specialist's clinic online assessment. Scored highly - but I refused to label myself with another incurable condition. Especially one that causes chronic pains and fatigue. I remained convinced of the mantra that time and again rings true - "Mind over matter." You can literally convince yourself of anything, and if it's negative, or something that makes you feel helpless to your body - it can truly cause a lot of harm.

Ed

 

[Dave Nicholson]

Thanks, all. If I could make it through every day without burning out on that little sleep (highly doubt that), I would actually welcome it. Sure it will settle down in time, once I've totally adjusted to my new me.