Dilemma: Not wanting to go to sleep because tomorrow will come sooner by Robyn Tamanaha, LMFT
For some, disrupted sleep is not due to difficulty falling asleep or difficulty staying asleep. The lack of sleep is an active effort, because there are difficulties in getting through the day.
The Dread of Tomorrow
The thought of tomorrow brings up the feeling of dread. Dread about the piled-up responsibilities. Dread about something in your schedule that you’re not looking forward to. Dread about another empty day or overall lackluster life.
The Inevitable Doesn’t Make It Easier to Come By
Knowing that sleep is inevitable doesn’t make going to sleep any more welcomed. The thought of having to wake up and deal with the next day might lead to avoidance of sleep or attempts to put it off. For the individual, putting off sleep means that tomorrow is that much farther away. Going to sleep means that tomorrow will come in the blink of an eye.
The Undesirable
The individual might notice that as they go about their day, they’re just trying to get through it. This might include keeping an eye on the clock as it gets closer to the end of their work shift, doing the bare minimum so that things just get done, scrolling a streaming service in hopes of a movie or show to pass the time, etc. Certain tasks might be met with distress and dread. The distressing feelings of frustration, sadness, irritability, or boredom are at an all-time high. And once the day is over, the individual is left with the emotional remnants and lingering feelings of unhappiness.
The Toll
Over time, dreading each new tomorrow takes an emotional and physical toll. It could also become a part of the individuals routine, which might shut the door to a more fulfilling day or life. This can leave an individual to feel like they’re stuck in a rut, or feel completely numb.
You don’t have to do this alone. If you are interested in receiving therapy with me, let’s schedule a free 15-minute phone consult.
(NOTE: This video was filmed when my office was at a previous location. I am now located in Irvine, CA)
My office is located in Irvine, which is near Newport Beach, Orange, Fountain Valley, Costa Mesa, Anaheim, Huntington Beach, Mission Viejo, Laguna Niguel, Aliso Viejo, Laguna Hills, Tustin, Seal Beach, and beyond. I work with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and Asian American & Pacific Islanders.
Disclaimer: This information is being provided to you for educational and informational purposes only. The topics being discussed are meant as a self-help tool for you own use. It is not psychotherapy or counseling. This information is to be used based on your own judgment. If you need to speak with a professional, you should find one local to you and contact them directly.