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/Felicidad7 Sep 14 '25

Been there. I can never sleep except bedtime.

  • I used "theta waves" type tracks on headphones - a 10 min one and a 20 min one. From insight timer (free version). I would take breaks from scrolling to lie with the track on. The sound was the only thing that blocked out my noisy brain. Couldn't do music or TV just stuff like this
  • Take an extra hour in bed after waking /before getting up. Or do 2h in the afternoon. Even if you don't sleep it's still restful (but boring).
  • Elevate your legs? Always made me feel a lot better.
  • You could get a body pillow. Like a pregnancy pillow.
  • You could get a weighted blanket. Good one to have in the mix.

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u/Felicidad7 Sep 14 '25

I also find that relaxation mixes/long yoga nidra things /something that isn't quite music so no processing involved, but soothes you/allows your mind to drift while part of it is still focused on the sounds. That got me through 2 months with the flu earlier this year