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Okay so I’ve been sleeping a lot more than usual lately and it makes me feel lazy even though I still feel tired. It’s confusing because I don’t know if my body actually needs rest or if something is wrong.

I'm really sorry to hear you're going through this. It sounds incredibly tough to not only feel exhausted but also conflicted about what your body needs. It's important to listen to your body, but if you're feeling unusually tired all the time, it might be a good idea to check in with a healthcare professional just to rule out any underlying issues. Remember, needing rest doesn't make you lazy—it's your body's way of telling you it needs something. Take care of yourself and don't be too hard on yourself during this time.

My body is telling me I need something? I don't think this is bad enough to go to the doctor for though. I don't know, I feel like my primary doctor don't want to help me like they limit the number of issues you can talk about 2 per appt which is funny to me.

It sounds like you're in a bit of a tough spot feeling this way and then having concerns about not being fully supported by your primary doctor. That limitation on issues per appointment can definitely be frustrating, especially when you're trying to get to the bottom of how you're feeling. Your health and well-being are important, and it's okay to advocate for yourself or to seek a second opinion if you feel your concerns aren't being fully addressed. Sometimes, small changes in lifestyle, diet, or routine can also make a big difference in how you feel. But if you continue to feel this way, it might be worth bringing up, even if it's just one of the two issues you can discuss in an appointment. Remember, you deserve to feel heard and supported in your health journey.

Yeah maybe. I just feel like they won't take it seriously though. Anyway it's not just the tiredness that's weird. Like I'll sleep 10 hours and get up feeling so ashamed because I wasted time. That part is what gets to me.

I hear you, and it sounds really tough to wake up feeling that way, dealing with both the physical tiredness and the emotional weight of feeling like you've wasted time. It's understandable that you might worry about not being taken seriously, but your feelings and experiences are valid. The shame you're feeling is hard, but remember, needing more sleep than usual isn't a reflection of your character or value. It's a sign from your body that something is off, whether it's stress, emotional distress, or a physical health issue. It might help to look at it from a perspective of self-care rather than time wasted. You're doing what your body seems to need right now. Opening up about how this is affecting you emotionally, as well as physically, might help a doctor or another professional understand the full impact it's having on your life. And if you're not comfortable with your current doctor, it could be worth exploring other healthcare providers who you feel might be more in tune with your needs. Remember, you're not alone in feeling this way, and reaching out for support is a brave step toward feeling better.

I mean it's nice you say it's self-care but it really doesn't feel that way. It feels like I'm falling behind on life while everyone else is up and doing things. I generally get up late at like 10am, 12pm, 1pm, and I know other people get up at like 6am or 8am. And looking at it differently is easier said than done when you wake up and the whole day is already halfway gone. I will consider a different DR though.

I completely understand where you're coming from. It can feel really disheartening to compare your situation with others and feel like you're not keeping up. That sense of the day slipping away before it even begins is a tough cycle to break out of, especially when society often values early risers and productivity so highly. It's important, though, to remember that your worth isn't measured by the time you get up or how much you accomplish in a day. Everyone's body and needs are different, and it's okay to be on a schedule that's different from others. Considering a different doctor sounds like a positive step. Finding someone who listens and supports you can make a big difference in addressing your concerns and finding a path forward that works for you. In the meantime, perhaps there are small adjustments you can make to help you feel more in control of your day, even if it starts later than you'd like. Setting small, achievable goals can help create a sense of accomplishment, regardless of the hour. And remember, how you feel is important, and taking steps to address it is a form of self-care, even if it doesn't feel like it right now. You're doing the best you can in a challenging situation, and that's something to be acknowledged and respected.

And the worst part is I don't even tell anyone about it. Like if someone asks how my morning was I just say 'good' because I'm embarrassed to say I woke up at noon. I kind of just hide it. Sometimes I even lie.

It sounds really hard, carrying that weight around and feeling like you have to hide or even lie about your mornings. The embarrassment you're feeling is understandable, given how much pressure our culture places on being productive, especially in the mornings. But you're not alone in this struggle, and many people go through similar challenges with their sleep patterns and how they feel about them. It's okay to not have everything figured out and to not meet every societal expectation. Remember, your value isn't determined by the time you wake up or by fitting into a specific mold. Sharing your struggles with someone you trust might feel daunting, but it can also be incredibly relieving to not have to carry this alone. People who care about you will want to support you, regardless of what time your day starts. Finding a healthcare provider who understands and respects your concerns can also be a step towards feeling better about your situation. They might offer insights or solutions you hadn't considered. In the meantime, be kind to yourself. You're doing the best you can with where you're at right now, and that's enough.

I hate that I just admitted that. But yeah I do hide how much I sleep. A lot. Like it's become second nature at this point. I just wonder if that's part of why I feel so drained like maybe the shame itself is exhausting me more than the actual sleep is.

Admitting something that feels deeply personal and potentially embarrassing is incredibly brave. It's a big step towards understanding and addressing how you're feeling. You're right to wonder if the emotional weight of carrying that shame could be contributing to your exhaustion. Hiding a significant part of your life, especially something as fundamental as sleep, can definitely take a toll on your emotional well-being. The stress and energy it takes to maintain that facade might indeed be adding to your sense of tiredness. Acknowledging this connection is really insightful and an important step towards healing. It's not easy to carry that kind of burden silently. Finding ways to gently reduce that shame and gradually open up to trusted people in your life could help alleviate some of that emotional exhaustion. Remember, your worth is not determined by how early you get up or how much you sleep. Everyone has their own battles and vulnerabilities. You're not alone, and reaching out for support from friends, family, or a professional can be a powerful way to start shifting away from that cycle of shame and exhaustion.

Hmm I never really thought about how the hiding and the shame could actually be making me more tired than the sleep itself. That's kind of a lot to sit with. I'm still figuring out what to do about all of it but honestly just saying it out loud helped more than I expected. Honestly, yeah. If I keep sleeping enormous amounts then I'll go to the DR. Or maybe I just need that much sleep. I'll try not to be too shamed about it.

It's really insightful of you to consider how the emotional aspects of what you're going through could be affecting your energy levels. It's a big realization, and it's okay to take your time to sit with it and figure out what steps feel right for you. Speaking your truth, even just admitting it to yourself or out loud in a safe space, can be incredibly liberating and healing. It's a significant first step toward understanding your needs and addressing them in a healthy way. If you decide to see a doctor, that's a proactive step towards ensuring your well-being. But in the meantime, trying to adopt a more accepting attitude towards your sleep needs can be beneficial. Your body might indeed require more rest due to various reasons, and that's okay. Giving yourself permission to rest without the added layer of shame can sometimes be what your body and mind need to start healing. Remember, taking care of yourself and addressing your health, both mental and physical, is important. You're doing a great job by starting to acknowledge and vocalize your feelings. Keep listening to yourself and taking steps, however small, towards what feels right for you. You deserve to feel good, rested, and free from shame about your needs.