DSPS Is Terrible--Wouldn't Wish It On My Worst Enemy

by Misty
(United States)

I have had DSPS since my early to mid 20's. I'm not exactly sure why it started--it could be because I was up all night with a new baby. All I know is here I am 10 years later with terrible sleeping issues.

My sleep pattern is very wacky. Sometimes I don't fall asleep until 9 am and then I sleep as long as I can which is usually around 4 pm. Sometimes I sleep in weird 4 hour patterns, a few hours at night and a few hours in the middle of the day.

I can't work a regular job. I never know if I'm going to be so tired I'm going to fall asleep at work. I have worked from home off and on and been somewhat successful at making money but there are times it's really slow and I don't make anything. It's not an easy road.

Thankfully I have a husband who is understanding about my sleep issues because he has been with me since before they started so he's seen it come and progress. Luckily he has a steady job.

I haven't had a doctor diagnose me because they are grossly undereducated about sleep issues. They think it's insomnia or an easy fix with some sleeping pills. All of you know that is NOT true if you have DSPS.

I tried for years to force myself to fall asleep with sleeping pills and simply turning off all the lights and laying there. Of course that never works! It only makes one much more frustrated to do those things with no positive effects!

I wish that the world would acknowledge this is a real disability and realize that we aren't simply just lazy. It's a prejudice through and through. Maybe one day there will be some exciting medical advances in this field and we will have some hope. Until then--keep your head up and know you're not alone. It is possible to function with this, although it's much harder. I have to work from home and I also attended college online so you can get a job and education. I can get up and be a Mom and take my kids to school, but I have to sleep when I drop them off. I can be awake to cook dinner and be with my family at night if need be. Best wishes to everyone.