The Psych Show Sleep is my first of line defense in the battle to stay healthy. Naps work! Meditation (real) also rests the body and mind. But there’s really no substitute. Period.
That's one reason why I made this video, to share that we all struggle with it. I'll make a video about what to do in the future but until then this website could be helpful: healthysleep.med.harvard.edu/healthy/getting/overcoming/tips
Please get some sleep! Even if it's just a powernap on the couch. I'd rather you sleep than editing video's for the channel to be honest. Nonetheless, love the video's of the last few weeks! Don't worry about imperfection, that's what makes it real and real is in my opinion good :) Anyway, I never had any problems falling asleep or sleeping until the moment I had to deal with mental health issues (like you described in your video, I also had those conversations so it's nice to see therapists also don't always do as they preach). Normally I need approximately 8 hours of sleep a night, so if anything changes for several days it's a big warning sign. I don't function normally when I'm sleep deprived, so to shortly answer you question: I can't deal with sleep deprivation - so I stand in awe of your video this time. Symptoms show up, I get head aches and moody. The only way to deal is to not do too much that day and cut yourself some slack, prioritize what absolutely needs to be done from the less important stuff and try to not feel bad about yourself for not being as productive. To get to sleep I tried and combined these things: a bath, meditation/ asmr/ sleep cast, music, drinking tea, reading... and sometimes there's no other way than to take a sleeping pill. I never needed all those things the first decades of my life, I just put my head on the pillow and slept within 10 minutes (not exaggerating).
Thanks for your encouragement and for sharing your experience! I made this video yesterday morning and actually did some of what you describe - only focus on what's a priority. I was able to make the phone call meetings I had scheduled, take care of my daughter, edit this video, and that's about it. Everyone else I delegated to future me (who is this guy typing this comment). I never had sleep problems earlier in my life either. Everything changed for me when I had a child. Now, sleep is not something I can't control and it's become REALLY important for me to do everything I can to get good quality of sleep when the opportunity comes up (and not to neglect the opportunity as I did yesterday).
Do not burn yourself out Doc! In 1995 I took a flight from Fort Lauderdale to Detroit. The stewardess did the spiel about putting your mask on first even if you have a child with you. As a parent that is completely counterintuitive. But then it hit me. That’s something we have to do in life! Taking care of ourselves first is the only way to really be there for the ones we love. Put on your mask Doc, we will all happily await your next video.
Thanks so much for your encouragement! I completely agree - we have to take care of ourselves before helping others. I've learned a ton these past two weeks about the type of videos that are both easier for me to make and will be helpful for this community. Moving forward next week, daily videos totally won't happen AND I've got a good idea of how to post on a more regular basis 😀
A full night's rest for me is 9 hrs of sleep, but I can manage on 5 hrs of sleep. Being guilty of not making sleep a priority, I often get less than 5 hrs of sleep on a regular basis--and I pay for it by being distractable, irritable, exhausted, and forgetful. Having chronic isnomnia and anxiety about sleeping does not help either. Some of the thoughts I will have when I am trying to wind down for bed are: "What if I have a nightmare and can't wake up?", "What if someone or something attacks me in my sleep?", "What if I don't hear my alarm for work and I'm late?", "What if I don't get my classwork finished on time because I chose sleep over finishing an assignment?" The last concern is particularly strong as I have sacrificed sleep, no matter how exhausted I am after work, to finish my school work. A few times I have gone as long as 24 hours without sleeping because, in my sleep deprived state, I lost track of time. Worse, due to my poor sleep habits, I've developed an unhealthy dependence on energy drinks that I am currently trying to break (easier said than done). My mom, sister, and boyfriend are all concerned about my lack of sleep and dependency on energy drinks--all of them are constatly after me to get more sleep, and rightly so. A few times I've driven on no hours of sleep, and almost crashed due to my slow reaction time and lack of attention. I've researched the dangers of sleep deprivation, but I never took them seriously until I took a couple of cognitive tests during a neuropsych exam and scored poorly in the memory, attention, and comprehension categories after getting only a hour's worth of sleep the night before. The poor results were a wake up call for me, especially when I thought about all the times I've driven on a couple hours or less of sleep. I had thought, "If my cognitive abilities are this poor after not getting sleep, I defintiely shouldn't drive when sleep depreived! How many times have I come close to having an accident or putting other people at risk by sacrificing sleep?" So, I started trying to make sleep a priority. Instead of staying up late to get school work done when I'm exhausted, I'll try to devote one or two hours after work and before work to complete them (most of which aren't due until the end of the week). If I can't sleep because I'm too anxious or keyed up from the day, I'll take one 3mg pill of melatonin (An over the counter, natural supplement that knocks me out cold in a matter of minutes) and listen to some soothing nature sounds or music on my phone in a dark room. I haven't found a solution to my fear of having an inescapable, violent nightmare yet because I've only recently developed it--I'm open to suggestions. I've also started to cut back on energy drinks with the help of my boyfriend, mom, and sister--I'll only have one during the day, and only if its caffiene content is low. I'm currently establishing a nighttime routine to prime myself for sleep as well. Since old habits are hard to break, and new ones are harder to maintain, I have had a couple setbacks. However, I will keep trying. Seeing your video has helped me realize I'm slipping back into old habits again, and re-emphaized the importance of getting sleep. I don't mind waiting for new videos if it means you're getting the sleep you need. :)
As a parent of a child who has serious issues winding down at night(ADHD, Anxiety), and someone who also has insomnia I have been suffering pretty consistently with sleep deprivation for the past 12 years. At this point I've learned to sleep whenever I have a moment. We don't plan busy weekends, maybe one or two activities spread out over the whole weekend so that we have time to nap. We start getting ready for bed at 7:30 and end up in bed, lights out by 9pm. If we wake up early, GREAT. Better that than risk not getting enough sleep. It's a lifestyle change that we deviate from ONLY on special occasions ( long school breaks, or vacation).
Thanks for sharing your experience! It sounds like you have done a lot to make sleep a priority for your family! This likely pays off big time in helping you and your child rest, recharge, and grow so that you are all better positioned to deal with the challenges of the day.
Watching this after staying up all night and getting 0 sleep. I do this far more than should be even remotely reasonable for someone who's single and lives only with their pet snake. The 'hack' that keeps me awake and significantly more functional than a few cups of coffee is thanks to a diagnosis of mild narcolepsy I've been riding since college, allowing me to maintain an rx of modafinil. I do this a lot, and the oddest part is it's become almost a Pavlovian response to particularly good days (yes, good days); because they're typically followed by really intense drops the next. I'll stay up or only get one or two hours of sleep, and the tiredness with the stimulant allows me to function reasonably well, yet somehow my brain doesn't have the energy to be anxious. It's an odd respite. The knock on effects are obvious; the next night I sleep significantly longer, and if I don't go to sleep early, further marring that circadian rhythm. Memories from the day before the night without sleep tend to be more jumbled, while any physical activity in either 'day' can screw things up even more.
Sleep well dear doc! 😉 You really don't need to edit soo late at night. I guess nobody needs new contend every day. Usually I watch videos on weekends, so I wont lack of sleep. 😉 Working parents have to be fit in the morning, cuz you never know how the night is going to be!
Before I knew I had an anxiety disorder, I way I coped with my anxiety was intentionally (or unintentionally in ways) depriving myself of sleep. It dulled my world the way I needed it. You can’t have anxiety attacks if you’re too mentally and physically tired, can you?
Yeah I struggle with intentionally not allowing myself to sleep, but then I regret it and get so upset when I finally go to sleep late. I’m honestly sad because I keep doing it over and over again. My parents say go to sleep, but I just don’t. I wonder if subconsciously I'm always having negative thoughts about myself and that’s why I keep doing this. It feels hopeless
Although it might seem counterintuitive you will probably get more done with 7-8 hrs of sleep vs 5 hrs of sleep because of efficiently of cognition. But it can be hard with those youngsters in the house!
I struggle with sleeping. I think I do things to avoid sleeping because I wasn't giving my mind "free time" which leads to anxious feelings and thoughts when I lay down. I found there is also a window, where if I miss it then trying to fall asleep is harder.
Hi Ali! I just watched your video and loved it! I'm definitely subscribing. I do have one question and I hope you could help me. My parents (not from the U.S so they don't know the system very well) say that the location of my Grad School is important, because it's where I'm most likely going to end up living/practicing (I hope to have a private practice). Do you agree with that?
+shanaaz begum thanks for the suggestion! I’m definitely going to do more on sleep. I haven’t thought about one on time management before since there are SO many videos on the topic. I’d have to think of a way to make it more specific. I’ll chew on it some more.
I wish I had sleep deprivation tips but I have a terrible time getting myself to sleep. I hope you’re able to find some rest time and fuel yourself more.
Thanks! I filmed this yesterday and got A LOT of sleep last night. Feeling WAY better today. I should probably make a video about improving the quality of your sleep but until I do here's a good resource: healthysleep.med.harvard.edu/healthy/getting/overcoming/tips.
Thanks for the video I suffer from Borderline Personality Disorder and have noticed sleep deprivation has a huge impact. Can you recommend books on BPD or other channels that may assist. Also huge props for making coffee in the Chemex with Freshly ground blue bottle coffee!
Fortunetly i feel asleep almost right away as my head touches the pillow. Times when i lack sleep its when i try to squeeze more things to do in the day, as preparation for soon to come period of less time to do stuff.
Thanks for sharing your experience! I'm similar - when I actually lay down to go to bed usually I can fall asleep relatively soon unless I'm REALLY worried about something.
American culture considers *WORK* the only important thing. Sleep is a sign of weakness - if you're sleeping, you're not working, you're slacking off. And there are just too many things that need to be done when you first wake up, or before you go to bed. People brag about how little sleep they get, and how much they love caffeine. I know that the medical profession wants to educate the public about how bad this is for physical and mental health. And then there are people like me - my normal circadian rhythm fits working the night shift, but then I have to readjust to a daytime schedule for things like grocery shopping and doctors' appointments.
I have bipolar 2 and only recently am I understanding how sleep is at the core of my mood states. Being sleep deprived when hypomanic is fine of course because I am full of energy regardless. Being sleep deprived when depressed just keeps me depressed. There isn't much I can do though. Lately I am trying to stabilise my moods (no meds) by stabilising my sleep and it's incredibly hard. I don't have quality sleep so no matter if I sleep 3 hours or 13, I am just tired but insomnia kicks in even when exhausted and it's time for bed so it'll take a loooong time before I can regulate. I find that keeping busy helps you during the day to fight off fatigue and in the evening time to wound down can help get calmer from being wired in preparation for sleep (when normal.. that doesn't work during episodes).
Thank you for sharing your experience, Linka. The challenge you're describing is something I hear from many of my patients who have bipolar depression. My best advice is to focus on targeting one change at one time that can contribute to sleep. Maybe on the depression side it's about practicing getting out of bed when mood is low, even if the energy isn't there. Or when mood is up learning to use self-soothing activities at night so you're more likely to calm your body and get more sleep. I've got some more tips for bipolar depression here: czcams.com/video/llOPqKD-s4w/video.html
Thank you! I will look into that video. For now I am just trying to put myself to bed more or less at a regular hour. I tend to delay bedtime when I have nightmares or anxiety but I know that a bed routine may help regardless. I have also started meditation to see if it helps with the overthinking. 🤞 it's all about practicing routines and being kind to myself when I have a set back 😇 @@drali
100% agree. Focusing on the basics like a good bedtime routine and having compassion for yourself can go a long way. And for some medication can also be a great way to support the work you are doing.
I don't want medication. I think that I have privileges, like not having to work etc, which gives me the opportunity to tackle it without medication. I know myself very well and I know what to do during depression and now I am clearer as to how to handle my hypomania (I'm type 2). I know where my risks lies, have friends I can message, make art, write, etc. I am always reading about studies on the subject. I think that bipolar 2 is misunderstood and medication is often misattributed because of it. I also think it would make things worse for me to have to undergo the ups and down for years while finding the right combination. Considering I have improved over time in self-management I don't see the use of putting myself through that. I understand it's use and the benefit it can bring to some individuals. I am not ready but I consider it regularly. @@drali
I have bipolar disorder, and I do prioritize sleep, but I have a neurological condition that causes sleep disturbances. It also causes chronic fatigue, so when I do have energy, I will sacrifice sleep to make the most of those rare times. But that's not smart! It will just exacerbate all of the symptoms I have, including insomnia. It's like living a cruel joke.
I have a question and or video idea that your video did remind me of. What are the effects of Thorazine on sleep. Ask this because I was told by a nurse that I used to have that the sleep you do get when you take it is not natural and I don't really understand what that means. I do know it's really sedating but it is the best medication for me because of my dystonia and reactive Airway from all the other antipsychotics.
Great question! There are a few things to think about. The first is how much sleep you can get. The other is the quality of your sleep. If we aren't in a position to increase the amount of sleep we can get, we can always do things to improve the quality of our sleep. There's a guide here but these comments are making me think I should make a video on this topic: healthysleep.med.harvard.edu/healthy/getting/overcoming/tips. There are also things outside of sleep that can be helpful, like the type of meals we eat, getting exposure to sunlight (or in some cases a light therapy), physical activity, naps (in some cases), and healthy use of caffeine.
How do you deal with sleep deprivation?
Not very well. I came here for ideas. Glad to know even the pros have this problem. I don't feel as bad about it.
The Psych Show Sleep is my first of line defense in the battle to stay healthy. Naps work! Meditation (real) also rests the body and mind. But there’s really no substitute. Period.
That's one reason why I made this video, to share that we all struggle with it. I'll make a video about what to do in the future but until then this website could be helpful: healthysleep.med.harvard.edu/healthy/getting/overcoming/tips
YASSS! Sleep has to be our #1 priority. When we get enough quality sleep, it makes everything better. When we don't, it makes everything worse.
I try to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep a night
Please get some sleep! Even if it's just a powernap on the couch. I'd rather you sleep than editing video's for the channel to be honest. Nonetheless, love the video's of the last few weeks! Don't worry about imperfection, that's what makes it real and real is in my opinion good :)
Anyway, I never had any problems falling asleep or sleeping until the moment I had to deal with mental health issues (like you described in your video, I also had those conversations so it's nice to see therapists also don't always do as they preach). Normally I need approximately 8 hours of sleep a night, so if anything changes for several days it's a big warning sign.
I don't function normally when I'm sleep deprived, so to shortly answer you question: I can't deal with sleep deprivation - so I stand in awe of your video this time. Symptoms show up, I get head aches and moody. The only way to deal is to not do too much that day and cut yourself some slack, prioritize what absolutely needs to be done from the less important stuff and try to not feel bad about yourself for not being as productive.
To get to sleep I tried and combined these things: a bath, meditation/ asmr/ sleep cast, music, drinking tea, reading... and sometimes there's no other way than to take a sleeping pill. I never needed all those things the first decades of my life, I just put my head on the pillow and slept within 10 minutes (not exaggerating).
Thanks for your encouragement and for sharing your experience! I made this video yesterday morning and actually did some of what you describe - only focus on what's a priority. I was able to make the phone call meetings I had scheduled, take care of my daughter, edit this video, and that's about it. Everyone else I delegated to future me (who is this guy typing this comment). I never had sleep problems earlier in my life either. Everything changed for me when I had a child. Now, sleep is not something I can't control and it's become REALLY important for me to do everything I can to get good quality of sleep when the opportunity comes up (and not to neglect the opportunity as I did yesterday).
Do not burn yourself out Doc! In 1995 I took a flight from Fort Lauderdale to Detroit. The stewardess did the spiel about putting your mask on first even if you have a child with you. As a parent that is completely counterintuitive. But then it hit me. That’s something we have to do in life! Taking care of ourselves first is the only way to really be there for the ones we love. Put on your mask Doc, we will all happily await your next video.
Thanks so much for your encouragement! I completely agree - we have to take care of ourselves before helping others. I've learned a ton these past two weeks about the type of videos that are both easier for me to make and will be helpful for this community. Moving forward next week, daily videos totally won't happen AND I've got a good idea of how to post on a more regular basis 😀
A full night's rest for me is 9 hrs of sleep, but I can manage on 5 hrs of sleep. Being guilty of not making sleep a priority, I often get less than 5 hrs of sleep on a regular basis--and I pay for it by being distractable, irritable, exhausted, and forgetful. Having chronic isnomnia and anxiety about sleeping does not help either. Some of the thoughts I will have when I am trying to wind down for bed are: "What if I have a nightmare and can't wake up?", "What if someone or something attacks me in my sleep?", "What if I don't hear my alarm for work and I'm late?", "What if I don't get my classwork finished on time because I chose sleep over finishing an assignment?" The last concern is particularly strong as I have sacrificed sleep, no matter how exhausted I am after work, to finish my school work.
A few times I have gone as long as 24 hours without sleeping because, in my sleep deprived state, I lost track of time. Worse, due to my poor sleep habits, I've developed an unhealthy dependence on energy drinks that I am currently trying to break (easier said than done). My mom, sister, and boyfriend are all concerned about my lack of sleep and dependency on energy drinks--all of them are constatly after me to get more sleep, and rightly so. A few times I've driven on no hours of sleep, and almost crashed due to my slow reaction time and lack of attention. I've researched the dangers of sleep deprivation, but I never took them seriously until I took a couple of cognitive tests during a neuropsych exam and scored poorly in the memory, attention, and comprehension categories after getting only a hour's worth of sleep the night before. The poor results were a wake up call for me, especially when I thought about all the times I've driven on a couple hours or less of sleep. I had thought, "If my cognitive abilities are this poor after not getting sleep, I defintiely shouldn't drive when sleep depreived! How many times have I come close to having an accident or putting other people at risk by sacrificing sleep?" So, I started trying to make sleep a priority.
Instead of staying up late to get school work done when I'm exhausted, I'll try to devote one or two hours after work and before work to complete them (most of which aren't due until the end of the week). If I can't sleep because I'm too anxious or keyed up from the day, I'll take one 3mg pill of melatonin (An over the counter, natural supplement that knocks me out cold in a matter of minutes) and listen to some soothing nature sounds or music on my phone in a dark room. I haven't found a solution to my fear of having an inescapable, violent nightmare yet because I've only recently developed it--I'm open to suggestions. I've also started to cut back on energy drinks with the help of my boyfriend, mom, and sister--I'll only have one during the day, and only if its caffiene content is low. I'm currently establishing a nighttime routine to prime myself for sleep as well. Since old habits are hard to break, and new ones are harder to maintain, I have had a couple setbacks. However, I will keep trying. Seeing your video has helped me realize I'm slipping back into old habits again, and re-emphaized the importance of getting sleep. I don't mind waiting for new videos if it means you're getting the sleep you need. :)
As a parent of a child who has serious issues winding down at night(ADHD, Anxiety), and someone who also has insomnia I have been suffering pretty consistently with sleep deprivation for the past 12 years. At this point I've learned to sleep whenever I have a moment. We don't plan busy weekends, maybe one or two activities spread out over the whole weekend so that we have time to nap. We start getting ready for bed at 7:30 and end up in bed, lights out by 9pm. If we wake up early, GREAT. Better that than risk not getting enough sleep. It's a lifestyle change that we deviate from ONLY on special occasions ( long school breaks, or vacation).
Thanks for sharing your experience! It sounds like you have done a lot to make sleep a priority for your family! This likely pays off big time in helping you and your child rest, recharge, and grow so that you are all better positioned to deal with the challenges of the day.
Watching this after staying up all night and getting 0 sleep. I do this far more than should be even remotely reasonable for someone who's single and lives only with their pet snake. The 'hack' that keeps me awake and significantly more functional than a few cups of coffee is thanks to a diagnosis of mild narcolepsy I've been riding since college, allowing me to maintain an rx of modafinil.
I do this a lot, and the oddest part is it's become almost a Pavlovian response to particularly good days (yes, good days); because they're typically followed by really intense drops the next. I'll stay up or only get one or two hours of sleep, and the tiredness with the stimulant allows me to function reasonably well, yet somehow my brain doesn't have the energy to be anxious. It's an odd respite.
The knock on effects are obvious; the next night I sleep significantly longer, and if I don't go to sleep early, further marring that circadian rhythm. Memories from the day before the night without sleep tend to be more jumbled, while any physical activity in either 'day' can screw things up even more.
Sleep well dear doc! 😉
You really don't need to edit soo late at night. I guess nobody needs new contend every day. Usually I watch videos on weekends, so I wont lack of sleep. 😉
Working parents have to be fit in the morning, cuz you never know how the night is going to be!
With that said.. I'm going to bed now. 10:08 pm here.
😴
Thank you for your encouragement! Moving to 2 videos a week is WAY more sustainable.
Before I knew I had an anxiety disorder, I way I coped with my anxiety was intentionally (or unintentionally in ways) depriving myself of sleep. It dulled my world the way I needed it. You can’t have anxiety attacks if you’re too mentally and physically tired, can you?
Yeah I struggle with intentionally not allowing myself to sleep, but then I regret it and get so upset when I finally go to sleep late. I’m honestly sad because I keep doing it over and over again. My parents say go to sleep, but I just don’t. I wonder if subconsciously I'm always having negative thoughts about myself and that’s why I keep doing this. It feels hopeless
Although it might seem counterintuitive you will probably get more done with 7-8 hrs of sleep vs 5 hrs of sleep because of efficiently of cognition. But it can be hard with those youngsters in the house!
Agreed, on both points!
As a double major college student, I really really enjoyed the video
I think most people are sleep deprived because most people work too many hours.
I know that was the case for me this week!
I struggle with sleeping. I think I do things to avoid sleeping because I wasn't giving my mind "free time" which leads to anxious feelings and thoughts when I lay down. I found there is also a window, where if I miss it then trying to fall asleep is harder.
Hi Ali! I just watched your video and loved it! I'm definitely subscribing. I do have one question and I hope you could help me. My parents (not from the U.S so they don't know the system very well) say that the location of my Grad School is important, because it's where I'm most likely going to end up living/practicing (I hope to have a private practice). Do you agree with that?
can you make video on. Time Management and Good night Sleep foe 1st Responders.
thank you :)
+shanaaz begum thanks for the suggestion! I’m definitely going to do more on sleep. I haven’t thought about one on time management before since there are SO many videos on the topic. I’d have to think of a way to make it more specific. I’ll chew on it some more.
I wish I had sleep deprivation tips but I have a terrible time getting myself to sleep. I hope you’re able to find some rest time and fuel yourself more.
Thanks! I filmed this yesterday and got A LOT of sleep last night. Feeling WAY better today. I should probably make a video about improving the quality of your sleep but until I do here's a good resource: healthysleep.med.harvard.edu/healthy/getting/overcoming/tips.
Thanks for the video I suffer from Borderline Personality Disorder and have noticed sleep deprivation has a huge impact. Can you recommend books on BPD or other channels that may assist. Also huge props for making coffee in the Chemex with Freshly ground blue bottle coffee!
Fortunetly i feel asleep almost right away as my head touches the pillow. Times when i lack sleep its when i try to squeeze more things to do in the day, as preparation for soon to come period of less time to do stuff.
Thanks for sharing your experience! I'm similar - when I actually lay down to go to bed usually I can fall asleep relatively soon unless I'm REALLY worried about something.
this video was helpful. thanks.
American culture considers *WORK* the only important thing. Sleep is a sign of weakness - if you're sleeping, you're not working, you're slacking off. And there are just too many things that need to be done when you first wake up, or before you go to bed. People brag about how little sleep they get, and how much they love caffeine. I know that the medical profession wants to educate the public about how bad this is for physical and mental health. And then there are people like me - my normal circadian rhythm fits working the night shift, but then I have to readjust to a daytime schedule for things like grocery shopping and doctors' appointments.
I have bipolar 2 and only recently am I understanding how sleep is at the core of my mood states. Being sleep deprived when hypomanic is fine of course because I am full of energy regardless. Being sleep deprived when depressed just keeps me depressed. There isn't much I can do though. Lately I am trying to stabilise my moods (no meds) by stabilising my sleep and it's incredibly hard. I don't have quality sleep so no matter if I sleep 3 hours or 13, I am just tired but insomnia kicks in even when exhausted and it's time for bed so it'll take a loooong time before I can regulate.
I find that keeping busy helps you during the day to fight off fatigue and in the evening time to wound down can help get calmer from being wired in preparation for sleep (when normal.. that doesn't work during episodes).
Thank you for sharing your experience, Linka. The challenge you're describing is something I hear from many of my patients who have bipolar depression. My best advice is to focus on targeting one change at one time that can contribute to sleep. Maybe on the depression side it's about practicing getting out of bed when mood is low, even if the energy isn't there. Or when mood is up learning to use self-soothing activities at night so you're more likely to calm your body and get more sleep. I've got some more tips for bipolar depression here: czcams.com/video/llOPqKD-s4w/video.html
Thank you! I will look into that video. For now I am just trying to put myself to bed more or less at a regular hour. I tend to delay bedtime when I have nightmares or anxiety but I know that a bed routine may help regardless. I have also started meditation to see if it helps with the overthinking. 🤞 it's all about practicing routines and being kind to myself when I have a set back 😇
@@drali
100% agree. Focusing on the basics like a good bedtime routine and having compassion for yourself can go a long way. And for some medication can also be a great way to support the work you are doing.
I don't want medication. I think that I have privileges, like not having to work etc, which gives me the opportunity to tackle it without medication. I know myself very well and I know what to do during depression and now I am clearer as to how to handle my hypomania (I'm type 2). I know where my risks lies, have friends I can message, make art, write, etc. I am always reading about studies on the subject. I think that bipolar 2 is misunderstood and medication is often misattributed because of it. I also think it would make things worse for me to have to undergo the ups and down for years while finding the right combination. Considering I have improved over time in self-management I don't see the use of putting myself through that. I understand it's use and the benefit it can bring to some individuals. I am not ready but I consider it regularly. @@drali
I have bipolar disorder, and I do prioritize sleep, but I have a neurological condition that causes sleep disturbances. It also causes chronic fatigue, so when I do have energy, I will sacrifice sleep to make the most of those rare times. But that's not smart! It will just exacerbate all of the symptoms I have, including insomnia. It's like living a cruel joke.
I have a question and or video idea that your video did remind me of. What are the effects of Thorazine on sleep. Ask this because I was told by a nurse that I used to have that the sleep you do get when you take it is not natural and I don't really understand what that means. I do know it's really sedating but it is the best medication for me because of my dystonia and reactive Airway from all the other antipsychotics.
What can you do about sleep deprivation on intern year?
Great question! There are a few things to think about. The first is how much sleep you can get. The other is the quality of your sleep. If we aren't in a position to increase the amount of sleep we can get, we can always do things to improve the quality of our sleep. There's a guide here but these comments are making me think I should make a video on this topic: healthysleep.med.harvard.edu/healthy/getting/overcoming/tips. There are also things outside of sleep that can be helpful, like the type of meals we eat, getting exposure to sunlight (or in some cases a light therapy), physical activity, naps (in some cases), and healthy use of caffeine.
The Psych Show Good tips, thanks!
My pleasure!
Ali you should take on less, you need your sleep, we understand, you have to take care of your self before you can take care of someone else
Hola, buenos días 😃😅
Hola!
Do you tell your patients about your youtube channel?
No?
Glad to hear you haven't experienced sleep deprivation. It's not fun.