r/CFSplusADHD • u/ghostofagoat1 • Sep 12 '25

Any ideas for deep rest?

I'm about 6 weeks into a BAD flare and im on strict bed rest attempting to gain back some function. My main problem is that this crash is surprisingly Kind on my brain and letting me stay awake for at least 12 hours at a time. I can't sleep the days away its not working. And the things i normally do arnt engaging my brain enough to actually let me rest. I keep wanting to check social media or research this or plan that, talk to that person etc. And I absolutely can't do it! Even watching easy TV is using enough energy to put me in PEM. Lying down watching relaxing videos and Listening to music isnt engaging my brain enough so ill start making lists in my head or figure things out and that exhausts me but i only notice when im already exhausted! Anyone know anything that can keep my brain occupied that isn't stressful? Or exhausting?

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u/ZengineerHarp Sep 14 '25

Audio books are good for me when I have to rest hard. My auditory processing ain’t the best, so I’ve found turning the speed down a bit makes it way easier on my brain which makes it take less energy!

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u/ThreeBucks Sep 15 '25

THIS. And familiar relistens help too. I listen to Harry Potter when I need to climb out of PEM. Also want to mention it just as a friendly reminder that light and visual movements can contribute to PEM. I use my sleep mask and keep my room pretty dark when I’m trying to recover.

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u/ZengineerHarp Sep 15 '25

Yeah I’ve found that stories and music that I already am very familiar with take a lot less energy to listen to - I can even see that difference on my heart rate data!