I’m not great with details, but I remember reading that many of us in the neurodiverse community struggle with sleep or energy levels.

Back in my early 20s, I went through the whole sleep clinic process. I was diagnosed with sleep apnea and mild narcolepsy. They prescribed me a full-face CPAP mask because my mouth doesn’t stay closed at night. That didn’t last long I dumped it after 2 months. I’m not a still sleeper — more like a rotisserie chicken — and the full mask just made me choke on my own drool. The doctors were frustrated and not very helpful. It felt like they expected me to control my body even while unconscious.

Now, over 10 years later, I’m going through the process again. Apparently, my body still isn’t getting enough oxygen during sleep, and it’s causing problems.

Still, I can’t help but wonder if the doctors are missing something — like autism as a potential root cause of sleep issues. In my neurodiverse friend group (both autistic and ADHD), I’m the only one not sleeping 12 or more hours a day. So now I’m left wondering what’s really going on — with me, and with them.

  • SeigestOPEnglish
    3·
    1 day ago

    Thank you for sharing.

    Physical activity like sports would definitely help I think. Me and my friends are all the same in our struggles to do the bare minimum of exercise. We’re all in the loop of being too tired to do anything because we are too tired to do anything. I’m hoping the CPAP can help break that cycle. Though I have started seeing someone who is into long walks. So I am improving there, slowly.

    I had to give up coffee awhile back since the addiction was a little too much for me. I still enjoy a cup on special occasions when I won’t need to sleep well that night. I’ve noticed it’s effects are stronger the older I get.