Posted by Dinah on March 31, 2002, at 22:52:07
I am having problems with involuntary naps. I've been having more problems with them since I stopped self injuring since they seem to have the same function - to assist me in dissociating myself from my feelings.
It happens when I'm upset and agitated, but not every time I'm upset and agitated. I have no control over it whatsoever. Sometimes I wish I could bring one on but I cannot. More often I wish I could stop them. I have managed not to fall asleep while driving but it was on one occasion recently extremely difficult. After that incident I have resolved to pull over someplace safe if it occurs again.
An example would be Friday. I came out of my therapist's office and fell asleep in the drivers seat of my car while still parked in the parking garage. I could vaguely hear, from time to time, people getting in and out of their cars nearby but I couldn't shake off the drugged drowsy feeling enough to fully rouse myself. After about 30 minutes (which seems to be the minimum duration) I woke up. I stayed awake driving home, but then fell asleep at my desk. In fact I slept most of Friday. The sleep feels drugged, heavy, and definitely unrefreshing. I wake up feeling groggy and headachy.
It is starting to get in the way of my work. Other than the potential problem with driving if it gets much worse and the existing problem with work, I really don't mind it as it is relatively effective.
I was just wondering if anyone else used involuntary naps for emotional distancing, and if so, if it is possible to gain more control over the whole process.
Thanks.
poster:Dinah
thread:21250
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20020325/msgs/21250.html