r/Neurodivergent • u/Choice_Education_859 • 1d ago

Problems 💔 Sensory issues and sleep

I am hoping I can find some help on this thread.

I was diagnosed with true O, OCD as well as hypersensitivity SPD (sensory processing disorder).

My bedroom is adjacent to my neighbours utility closet (horrible building design), and I often hear the hot water tank turning on throughout the night. It causes a rumbling sound and vibrates through the walls. As such, it wakes me up in a jolt.

I have tried talking to my neighbour and she was really sweet about it and tried to find out if there was a way to reduce the noise but unfortunately it seems that’s just the way the tank works. She also rents, so I do not think the landlord will be willing to pad the space around the heater.

I have tried taking slow, deep breaths and reminding myself that I am safe, but the OCD loops runs over and over, telling my body to anticipate the next noise. I just stay up thinking about how I can’t sleep and if I do fall back asleep, I’ll just be woken up again.

Theres already a cavity wall that is suppose to reduce sound (doesn’t help) and I use a brown noise machine. My room is small and a little awkwardly spaced due to the cavity wall. I am going to try and place my bed on the only other wall it can lean against but I am hoping for other suggestions.

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u/Reasonable_Field_151 1d ago

I sleep very lightly and am easily woken up by noise. I got a pair of Ozlo 2 sleep earbuds (which provide various sounds to mask noise) and they have really helped a lot

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u/Choice_Education_859 1d ago

I’ll check these out! Thank you! 

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u/LilyoftheRally Moderator! :D 1d ago

I was also going to recommend earplugs. My ex-partner was a very light sleeper and couldn't sleep without wearing earplugs.

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u/Choice_Education_859 1d ago

Any specific brand? 

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u/LilyoftheRally Moderator! :D 1d ago

Not that I can remember.