What’s Wrong With Me? Why Can’t I Sleep?

It took me a very long time to realize that my abuser was using sleep as a way to abuse me.

What can this look like?

-causing an argument right before bed so your mind races and you can’t sleep

-causing an argument that goes on for hours and keeps you both up way too late

-waking you up at night on purpose or “accidentally”

-making a show of sleeping in front of you, sleeping in, showing off how well rested they are (to make you wonder what’s wrong with you for not being able to sleep)

Why do they do this?

-it keeps you in a state of constant exhaustion so your brain is foggy which makes it easier to keep you confused

-it’s another way to feel they have control over you

How can you avoid this if you are unable to leave your abuser right now?

-do not engage in arguments, especially at night. Research the grey rock method and use it if it is safe to do so

-try sleeping in another room (I did this)

-learn about narcissistic abuse tactics so when they attempt to manipulate, gaslight, etc you can recognize what they’re doing and stay calm