Winter fatigue

[sue-66]

Do you find fatigue is worse now the its getting dark earlier and stays darker in the morning longer? My partner Alan, in the last few days, seems to be a bit more sleepier, although he is sleeping better during the night. Or do you find if you get a slight cold, does that make you feel more lethargic. I was just wondering if this is the norm after bi in the autumn and winter months? X

[cat3]

Absolutely Sue. Every autumn when the nights begin drawing in, the libido drains away and I just want to hibernate. I always used to counter the problem with a project for the winter months but no longer have the energy or wherewithal.

I do find sleeping easier because I can snuggle down without getting overheated (have a large fan & no duvet all Summer) and there's no longer any guilt attached to an early night or a lie in.

I don't think it takes much to bring any of us down post bi as the after-effects alone are already so challenging. x

[sue-66 in reply to cat3]

Thanks cat, this last few days has been more sleepy. Although after posting, he's shown to be snuggly, so I'm now thinking he also has a cold! Roll on summer 😏 x

[RogerCMerriman]

Absolutely which I assume is as it’s harder, for myself vestibular system when it’s darker I have to work harder with balance, and working out crowds etc.

[sue-66 in reply to RogerCMerriman]

I've had a read of your blog, it was really interesting and your humour comes through too. Alan has also kept his humour but doesn't always get the joking between us, more when really fatigued. But thankfully, our relationship has survived and we are getting married next year, but it will be worked around fatigue 😊

[BaronC]

Whether I'm an exception to any brain injury 'rule' or not, I don't know, but I find that the weather or the time of year makes no real difference to me at all if I'm honest. I've been knackered since my accident, simple as that really.

If anything, I've always hated light nights and much prefer it when it's cold and dark, I just find it much easier to sleep. That doesn't help the fatigue however, I just wake up tired after a good sleep rather than a broken one.

[RogerCMerriman in reply to BaronC]

I don’t think it’s universal, for myself it’s the dark, the cold is fine I run at low temperatures anyway.

I suspect a lot of folks dislike winter so it’s another straw on the camels back etc.

[sue-66]

Before his accident, he used to hate the dark earlier evenings, but I did find the lighter earlier mornings were not letting him sleep enough, so at least he's sleeping longer now, but that can have the effect of too much sleep, then still being tired on waking up 😏

[cat3]

It's a mixed bag for me as, unlike Andy, I hate the dark evenings. It's the claustrophobic feeling of closed-in boundaries with lights on and the outdoors blacked out. I never draw curtains so I can at least see signs of life from street lights and neighbour's houses and don't feel quite so 'buried alive' .

But, although I love the look and the freedom of sunny days, the summer heat is a big challenge since my bi (when my endocrine system went haywire) and anything over 20degrees gives me big problems. So housework and gardening are usually tackled after sundown.

I have a mask for sleeping which is great for shutting out early light. It's a figure 8 shape and has large tiger's eyes which scared one of the nurses half to death in hospital ! 😲 Maybe Alan could try one Sue…… x

[sue-66 in reply to cat3]

That's a great idea for next summer 😊 x