Why Do I Pull My Hair When I’m Tired? Is Exhaustion A Trichotillomania Trigger?

Why Do I Pull My Hair When I’m Tired?

Every single time I get tired I suck my thumb and want to pull my hair, it’s without fail.

When I re-created my therapy journal I did it because I knew that sleep was an issue.

After tracking my progress for a few weeks I definitely could see that this was an area in my life that triggers hair pulling.

When I’m tired it causes all sorts of issues in my body and pulling my hair is one of the ways my body responds to exhaustion.

Right now I can manage my hair pulling just fine during the day for the most part but come nighttime when I’m tired, the battle is real!

I’ve been pulling my hair and sucking my thumb since I was a little kid.

When I get tired I don’t know what it is, but I want to pull my hair.

It’s very self soothing.

During the day, I can stay distracted and busy but at night, I’m beat.

I don’t rest during the day at all so by the time nighttime rolls around I am so exhausted.

Even the way I sleep is exhausting.

I wake up to anything in the middle of the night.

I have kids and dogs and every time they move, I wake up.

Water could drop in the tub and I hear it.

I have this heighten awareness at night that I am going to need to get rid of.

The problem isn’t just the waking up, it’s that I stay up, sometimes hours.

I Wonder Why I Don’t Sleep Like a Rock?

Could it be my diet? Blue screens? Too much caffeine or sugar?

Is it because I’m OCD and my mind is always wanting to do something?

I really believe that sleep is an area I need figure out if I’m going to stop hair pulling at night time.

Exhaustion Is Triggering Trichotillomania

Lack of sleep triggers anxiety, exhaustion, makes me prone to illness, moodiness and my BFRB’s.

I pull my hair more and suck my thumb more when I’m tired.

I get more anxious and depressed when I’m tired which makes me pick my skin and chew my nails more.

When I’m tired I find it hard to stand on God’s word, to confess what I believe, to even fight back against negative thoughts pounding me is nearly impossible…

When I’m tired I just want to curl up in a ball and cry like everyone else when negativity and depression come barreling in.

I’ve got to get a handle on this tired stuff!

What Can I Do To Get More Sleep?

1. I’m going to start speaking positive affirmations over my sleep.
2. I’m going to try to cut back my screen time before bed and read instead.
3. I’m also going to take a closer look at my diet…….. after Thanksgiving 😉

I have a space in my journal for tracking food and sleep but I’ll admit, I slack at writing my diet down because I think subconsciously I know this is an area to make some adjustments but I don’t want too because I like donuts. 🍩🍩

Related Article: Keto Diet for Trichotillomania

I have joined a natural sleep group on Facebook to sort of see what others are doing to help them.

These are just some ideas so I can get more sleep, I’m not exactly sure what is going to do the trick but it’s a start.

Lack of good sleep drains me and I really want to get a handle on a good nights sleep.

It’s all about reducing the situations that make me want to pull my hair, right?

Do You Pull Your Hair Out When You’re Tired?

Do you pull more when you’re tired?

Does lack of sleep trigger anxiety and mood swings for you that lead to hair pulling?

Related: Does Sugar Influence Hair Pulling Urges?  Here’s How To Find Out!