Haven't slept in 2 days… feeling scared and stuck

Hey everyone, I’m feeling really lost right now. I’ve been struggling with health worries after a test result, but I can’t do anything about it until next week.

I’ve dealt with anxiety my whole life, and it’s caused sleepless nights before, but I’ve always managed to get some rest eventually. This past week, though, I’ve been sleeping terribly—waking up at the smallest noise—and now it’s been two days with maybe an hour of broken sleep.

I went to an emergency doctor’s appointment today, but they said I just have to wait until next week. I’m scared of staying awake any longer and feeling worse. What can I do to get through this?

Sounds like it’s time to see a doctor again if this keeps up.

Torrance said:
Sounds like it’s time to see a doctor again if this keeps up.

Do you think it’s because two days is too long without sleep, or more about my health worries?

One thing to remember: your sleep drive is incredibly strong. It’s like hunger or thirst—at some point, your body will force you to sleep.

Try to focus on resting instead of stressing about sleeping. Even lying quietly is helpful. Spending too much time in bed can backfire, so get up and do something relaxing if you’re tossing and turning.

@Oak
Thank you so much. I’ve been in bed most of the day, so I got up for a bit. Hoping it helps.

I’m so sorry you’re going through this. Anxiety about health can create a cycle of worst-case thoughts that make everything harder. It sounds like your brain is stuck in a loop trying to prepare for the worst, even if the chances are slim.

Are you experiencing panic attacks? If so, grounding techniques can help. Breathing exercises and having someone to talk to are great tools.

A few things helped me during a similar experience:

  • Guided meditation, especially body-awareness techniques.
  • Quiet podcasts to distract my mind while falling asleep.
  • A small dose of prescribed medication for a short time (talk to your doctor if you’re open to this).

Having someone to share your fears with makes a difference. Also, being around others—whether it’s at a café or a park—can help ease the sense of isolation and fear. You’re not alone in this.

I’ve been in a similar place because of my lupus, and I totally understand how nerve-wracking it is. It’s okay to feel nervous and stressed—acknowledge those feelings and remind yourself you’re doing your best. Even just lying down with your eyes closed and focusing on your breathing counts as rest.

If it continues, consider reaching out to your primary doctor or even an ER for advice. They might be able to suggest something to help you sleep. Personally, I can’t use melatonin due to my condition, but Benadryl has been helpful for me during rough nights.

Try not to fixate on thoughts like, ‘I haven’t slept yet.’ Instead, shift your focus to small self-care actions. It’s a pattern I’ve fallen into before, and I know how hard it is.

Jules said:
Try not to fixate on thoughts like, ‘I haven’t slept yet.’ Instead, shift your focus to small self-care actions. It’s a pattern I’ve fallen into before, and I know how hard it is.

Have you tried the Tapping Solution app? Using affirmations like, ‘I let go of what I can’t control,’ while tapping can really help calm the nervous system.

You might benefit from night-ease glasses or something to help manage light before bed.

Hey friend,

I can only imagine how hard these past few days have been. It takes so much strength to share what you’re going through, and I want you to know you’re not alone.

Your body is resilient. Even after two days without proper sleep, it’s working hard to protect you. The fear of not sleeping can sometimes be worse than the lack of sleep itself. Try reminding yourself: I don’t have to force sleep; my body will let it happen naturally.

If you’re overwhelmed, focus on one small step at a time:

  • Lie somewhere comfortable and practice slow, deep breathing (in for 4 seconds, hold for 7, out for 8). Repeat a few times.
  • If lying down feels too much, sit in a cozy chair and listen to a calming podcast or audiobook.
  • Avoid looking at the clock—it only adds to the stress.

Your situation is temporary, even if it feels endless right now. You’ve been strong enough to get through tough times before, and you’ll get through this too. Sending you so much support.