Dispraxia and insomnia

A place to talk about your experience of living with Dyspraxia

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Auron
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Dispraxia and insomnia

Post by Auron »

I was actually quite relieved to discover that people with dispraxia sometimes experience insomnia for… no apparent reason.
It just happens.

I have definitely had stress and anxiety in the past, and I have definitely had trouble sleeping with that. But—and this is the important bit—I have also had insomnia when really, there was nothing much the matter.

The problem is, before I learned intermittent insomnia was a known issue with dispraxia I would go to bed, have insomnia, then have this whole self-examination spiral.

Insomnia?
I must be stressed.
Am I stressed? Am I having a stressful week?
I don’t think I’m stressed…
Oh my god, I must be so stressed that I don’t realise how stressed I am! It must be really bad!
I wonder what caused it!? etc.


Now I just get up, have a snack, watch something or read/write/listen to something and try sleep again in a few hours times.
I should have trusted myself from the get go, cause it is very different having sleep difficulties from anxiety, stress or depression compared to just vanilla, biological, no-reason insomnia. What’s more, knowing the difference really helps not escalate a frustrating experience into something more damaging.
Tom fod
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Re: Dispraxia and insomnia

Post by Tom fod »

I think we neurodivergent folk find it difficult to switch into sleep mode as we aren't as good at turning off what we're thinking so that we can relax and enter sleep mode.

You could try mindfulness or affirmations like 'My mind is clear'. Sleep hygiene may also help so having a routine avoiding, caffiene after a certain time, not exposing ourselves to blue light emitted by electronic devices etc.
Tom
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Auron
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Re: Dispraxia and insomnia

Post by Auron »

Oh I basically just avoid caffeine almost completely. If it’s after mid day; no coffee, if it’s after six; no tea.
Tom fod
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Re: Dispraxia and insomnia

Post by Tom fod »

Nerypace wrote: Thu Jan 04, 2024 12:19 am I totally get the struggle of trying to figure out why the insomnia monster decided to pay a visit. The mind starts doing its detective work, and suddenly, you're on a stress investigation that may or may not have any basis in reality!

On a lighter note, have you tried any cool sleep hacks or rituals to tackle those random insomnia moments? I recently stumbled upon [url removed by Admin], and they have some interesting stuff that might add a fun twist to your bedtime routine. Who knows, maybe a cool new gadget or accessory could be the secret weapon against those sleepless nights!
Why was this link posted in clear breach of our rules concerning advertising.
You have 48 hours to respond with an explanation or I pass your details to appropriate regulatiory authorities.
Tom
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With a foot full of bullets I tried to run faster but I just hobbled on to the next disaster.
(from Peter and the Test Tube Babies, Foot Full of Bullets)
Jabbytall
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Re: Dispraxia and insomnia

Post by Jabbytall »

I can relate to unpredictable insomnia. Sometimes, it feels like my brain just forgets how to sleep. I've found that reducing caffeine after midday and avoiding screens before bed helps. You can use mindfulness techniques that help you learn [suspicious url removed by Admin]. Practicing mindfulness techniques, like repeating affirmations such as "My mind is clear," can be beneficial. It's reassuring to know that others experience this, too.
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charlotteemma
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Re: Dispraxia and insomnia

Post by charlotteemma »

Dyspraxia and insomnia can be interconnected, with insomnia being a common symptom or concern for individuals with dyspraxia. Dyspraxia, also known as developmental coordination disorder, affects motor skills and can impact a person's ability to plan and execute movements, potentially leading to difficulties with daily tasks and activities, including those related to sleep. Adults with dyspraxia can be prone to low self-esteem, emotional outbursts, phobias, fears, obsessions and [url removed by Admin] compulsions, and addictive behaviours.Examples of conditions linked with insomnia include ongoing pain, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, asthma, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), overactive thyroid, Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease It may be helpful to start writing earlier than other people, or earlier than the study planner suggests, because you may need to write more drafts to make your argument clear.
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