3. Emotional Exhaustion
Imagine running a mental marathon with no finish line and then being expected to sleep like a baby. That’s what emotional exhaustion from narcissistic abuse feels like. Dr. Brené Brown, a research professor and expert on vulnerability, describes emotional exhaustion as carrying a heavy backpack you can’t put down, even when you try to rest. Constantly drained by the emotional roller coaster of abuse, victims struggle to relax and fall asleep, like trying to recharge a phone with a faulty charger.
4. Depression
Victims often find themselves caught in the classic “can’t sleep, can’t wake up” trap caused by depression from narcissistic abuse. Dr. John Gottman, a renowned psychologist, explains that depression can disrupt sleep patterns, creating a cycle of sleepless nights and excessive daytime sleepiness. This imbalance makes maintaining a consistent sleep schedule nearly impossible.
5. Physical Symptoms of Stress
Stress doesn’t just affect the mind—it impacts the body, too. Victims often experience headaches, muscle tension, and other physical symptoms that make falling asleep difficult. Dr. Dan Siegel, a psychiatrist specializing in the mind-body connection, notes that stress turns the body into a bundle of aches and pains, preventing relaxation.
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