I am currently struggling heavily with depression. Which impacts my quality of sleep. Sleep now has never been a talent of mine. So I generally make up for it by napping. I used to absolutely love it. Both the initial and the waking up (feeling well rested). But lately the waking up part is getting more and more difficult. It then feels like someone hung an anchor on my mental health. I am at that point in absolute disarray and so depressed it makes me feel anxious it’s so bad.

This may be above lemmy’s pay grade but still here goes. Should I stop taking naps? Also I’m thinking of taking antidepressants, anyone here have any experience?

Edit: Thank you all for the replies. I currently in talks with a therapist about taking antidepressants. For the mean time I have found that if when I wake up from a nap and just immediately get out of bed and go into the other room. It helps alleviate the “depressional” fall out that would normally follow.

  • billbasher@lemmy.world
    16·
    6 months ago

    I like short coffee naps. It makes it really easy to get up afterwards. I’d only recommend it if you are able to fall asleep almost instantly though.

    Basically you chug a cup of coffee and then nap, setting an alarm for 20-30m. Once you get woken up the coffee will be mostly in your system and you’ll feel really refreshed.

    • Frozengyro@lemmy.world
      5·
      6 months ago

      I do a 6-10 minute nap, it doesn’t even feel long enough, but it’s enough to feel more alert and not mess up sleep later that night.

    • pingveno@lemmy.mlEnglish
      2·
      6 months ago

      I combine it with a light alarm. I have smart lights that I have hooked up to an automation. The automation turns off the lights, sets an alarm for 25 minutes, and turns the lights back on at 24 minutes. That gives me a bit more of a slide into wakefulness.

      I’ve also taken to drinking tea throughout the day for a steady drip of caffeine. In the morning I brew up a big pot, then stick it in an insulated carafe to stay hot for the day. I’ve found it’s easier on my body than coffee.

      • billbasher@lemmy.world
        1·
        6 months ago

        Nice yeah coffee isn’t always the play for me either for that reason. I like Yerba mate and white/green tea too

        • pingveno@lemmy.mlEnglish
          2·
          6 months ago

          Oh yeah, I’ve been meaning to give Yerba mate a try. I’ve been staying away from green tea for the most part because apparently it’s pretty bad about tooth stains.