Hi guys
this is my first time on this forum, although i'm a regular visitor. Does the PhD cause you sleeping disorders ??? I no longer enjoy anything even when I'm not doing work my mind is always engaged in the PhD, thinking of data, variables, statistics, methods, going back to literature.....ect. I suddenly find myself just going to write anything that crosses on my mind, or read something I remembered, check an article. My partner is annoyed. Simply she can't understand the pressure of PhD..PhD is a more a mental process than long hours of working in my opinion..it leaves you with bad social life...what do you thin or am i exaggarating ? is what I am passing through normal..I'm now in my second year.
It's common but I wouldn't say it's normal - I think you are experiencing an extremem form. You should try to find time to do something else apart from the PhD - something you can actually enjoy and engage in. I know you will feel frustrated and guilty at first but it good for you - and for your relationship.
The key is distraction- I find it particularly bad at night - waking up in the early hours with my brain trying to process something
My way out is to put the simpsons on
anything to stop my brain thinkin
It depends what stage you are at - I'm in the last few weeks of writing up and it feels like you can't get away from it - constantly thinking about it - key point is to know that it'll end at some point
try taking a break
P.s. your partner and friends will never understand - only others who have done it will - the sad facts i'm afraid
I think the process of a PhD can cause sleep disorders. Not been chipping away at mine too long but, bugger me, it's a demanding sod and enveloper of my life. Mustn't complain though, the reason for a sleep disorder could be a really unsatisfying job, noisy neighbours or even a sleep disorder inducing disease of great mystery and no cure. Now must get back to sleep...
I have terrible trouble sleeping, at times of stress its even worse. I was awake for 2 days after my mock viva, I think I took such a kicking I was in shock. Or just afraid if I let my gaurd down someone would start asking akward questions again.
I suppose I'm lucky, my girlfriend has only ever known me while I was doing the PhD. As far as she's concerned stressed to the point of cracking up is normal!
Tiggs
Hmm. I have had trouble sleeping - thoughts just going round & round. Now, I often take Melatonin to help myself drop off. Very good, natural supplement that induces sleep hormones, and also effective in combatting the winter blues. It does give you very bizarre vivid dreams, though. I highly recommend it, but I think you can only get it in the States.
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