Struggling with Sleepiness and Work Challenges: A Psychiatric Perspective

Q: Struggling with Sleepiness and Work Challenges: A Psychiatric Perspective

Hello A-Jie： Regarding your first question, you may need to determine how long you need to sleep to feel rested. <br>For instance, on days when you don't have to work, how long do you typically sleep until you wake up naturally? Based on the amount of sleep you require, you can p

Hypersomnia and related issues?

Hello, Doctor.
I previously left my job at Company A after three years due to difficulties in my relationship with my supervisor, my strong personal opinions, and other factors related to my work performance.
This month, I started working at Company B, also as a cleaner.
Before I continue, I want to mention that I have been seeing a psychiatrist for over 20 years.
Currently, I am taking the following medications: Olanzapine 30mg, Venlafaxine 75mg, and Quetiapine 150mg.
I have been diagnosed with schizophrenia by my psychiatrist, and I have a disability certificate indicating a mild condition.
Additionally, I have mild thalassemia, for which I do not have a certificate and do not require iron supplements or blood transfusions.
My first issue is that since starting at Company B, aside from a few days when I was not late, I have been late almost every day, with the longest delay being one hour.
Although I do not have to clock in, I know this behavior is unacceptable, especially since I am still in the probation period at a new job! I do not intend to be late; however, I often wake up in the middle of the night, check the time, and see that I still have 2-3 hours before work.
I then decide to sleep a little longer.
Sometimes, I wake up and watch online courses for the national exam, and after watching, I feel sleepy again.
With about an hour left before work, I think I can take a quick nap, but I end up oversleeping! This was also the case at Company A, where my shifts kept changing, and I was even scolded by the boss for being late for every shift! Eventually, I switched to an 8 PM shift until 5 AM, and I stopped being late.
However, working that shift made me very sleepy during work hours.
To make matters worse, my supervisor plans to switch me to a night shift! Although there is no salary adjustment for this shift, I still receive the basic salary, and I cannot accept that since my salary is based on performance.
Therefore, I moved to Company B, where I also receive a basic salary but work from 9 AM to 5 PM, which gives me more time to prepare for the national exam.
However, I am still late almost every day, which drives me crazy!
What can I do to avoid being late? I know that going to bed early and waking up early is effective, but I need to prepare for the national exam.
I am not the type of person who excels at studying! I was an average student in school and graduated from a vocational high school.
My mother hoped I would pass the civil service exam, and I also wish to succeed in obtaining a stable job and leave my hometown to distance myself from unpleasant neighbors.
Right now, I am working very hard, but I have not thought about how to make appropriate plans.
I cannot figure out how to plan effectively, which leads to being late for work and not studying well.
I am trying to do too many things at once and failing in all areas! I am a very diligent person and a perfectionist, always pushing forward without hitting the brakes to appreciate the scenery around me.
Perhaps if I slowed down, I would start to become lazy and unproductive.
My second issue is that due to past conflicts with others, they have caused trouble for my family and have teamed up with neighbors to bully us.
I will never forget how my mother was bullied by her colleagues before she passed away.
This month, while applying for jobs, I encountered her previous company, but for some reason, I was not hired.
Perhaps they were wary of me, I guess.
I initially wanted to find out where the previous HR personnel went and implement my revenge plan.
I even thought about how to deal with the supervisor who bullied my mother, and I had a plan in mind.
Fortunately, I was not hired; otherwise, I might have become a criminal today! However, one thing remains unchanged: I still want revenge, just in a different way.
I will never forget the scene of my mother in the emergency room, fighting for her life with four syringes that might have been similar to adrenaline shots.
Unfortunately, she could not be saved, and even if she had been, she was already in the terminal stage of cancer.
Those cruel actions from back then contributed to her condition! I apologize, Dr.
Lin, for the lengthy message.

A-Jie, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/08/22

Dr. Lin Mianzhang reply Psychiatry

Hello A-Jie: Regarding your first question, you may need to determine how long you need to sleep to feel rested.
For instance, on days when you don't have to work, how long do you typically sleep until you wake up naturally? Based on the amount of sleep you require, you can plan your study time accordingly.
After all, sufficient sleep is essential for effective studying and retaining information.
Additionally, if you find that your sleep duration is significantly longer than average, you might want to discuss this with your physician to see if it could be related to medication side effects and whether a sleep study is necessary.

For your second question, I recommend discussing it with your physician to assess whether the issues you mentioned about someone causing you trouble are indeed accurate.
Are there other possibilities? Also, consider how to handle similar situations in the future.
If needed, medication adjustments or psychological therapy may be necessary, as it's important to have an outlet for your repressed emotions.
Wishing you peace and good health!

Reply Date: 2022/08/22

More Info

Your situation reflects a complex interplay of stress, sleep issues, and emotional challenges that can significantly impact your daily life and work performance. It’s commendable that you are seeking help and trying to understand your circumstances better.
Firstly, your struggle with sleepiness and tardiness at work may be linked to several factors, including your mental health condition, medication side effects, and possibly your sleep hygiene practices. Given your history of schizophrenia and the medications you are currently taking, it’s essential to recognize that certain psychiatric medications can contribute to drowsiness or disrupt sleep patterns. For instance, medications like Olanzapine (大炯安立復) and Venlafaxine (復鬱平) can have sedative effects, which may explain why you find it difficult to wake up on time.

To address your sleep issues, consider implementing a structured sleep routine. This includes setting a consistent bedtime and wake-up time, even on weekends. Limiting screen time before bed and creating a calming pre-sleep routine can also help signal to your body that it’s time to wind down. Additionally, engaging in relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or gentle yoga before bed can promote better sleep quality.

Regarding your work challenges, it’s crucial to communicate openly with your supervisor about your struggles with punctuality. They may be more understanding than you think, especially if you explain your situation and express your commitment to improving. It might also be beneficial to explore flexible work arrangements, if possible, that allow you to adjust your hours to better suit your sleep patterns.

Your feelings of anger and the desire for revenge stemming from past experiences are understandable but can be harmful if not addressed constructively. Holding onto these feelings can lead to increased stress and anxiety, which may further impact your mental health. It’s vital to find healthier outlets for these emotions. Consider speaking with a therapist or counselor who can help you process these feelings and develop coping strategies. Engaging in activities that promote emotional well-being, such as exercise, art, or volunteering, can also provide a positive distraction and help you build resilience.

Moreover, your ambition to prepare for the civil service exam is commendable, but it’s essential to balance this with self-care. Perfectionism can lead to burnout, especially when combined with your existing mental health challenges. Setting realistic goals and allowing yourself breaks can help you maintain motivation without overwhelming yourself.

Lastly, it’s crucial to continue your psychiatric treatment and maintain open communication with your healthcare provider about your symptoms and any side effects from your medications. Regular follow-ups can help ensure that your treatment plan is effective and adjusted as needed.

In summary, addressing your sleep issues, improving your work habits, and managing your emotional responses are all interconnected. By taking proactive steps in these areas and seeking professional support, you can work towards a more balanced and fulfilling life. Remember, it’s okay to ask for help, and taking small steps can lead to significant changes over time.

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