When Sleep Becomes a Relationship Battle

A woman’s need for naps sparked a heated debate with her partner. She works late shifts, often going to bed past midnight, and needs a nap before starting her day. Her partner, who works from home and has a young daughter, feels neglected because she sleeps too much. The woman, in her 30s, explained her daily routine. She wakes up early to take care of her partner’s 4-year-old daughter before work. After her shift ends around 11:30 p. m. , she stays up for another hour or two because of her work stress. By the time she goes to bed, it’s already late, and she still needs a nap the next morning to function. Her partner, however, sees her napping as a way of avoiding time together. They feel lonely and think she’s not present enough. The woman disagrees, saying she’s exhausted and can’t help it. She even naps with her partner on days off, proving she’s not trying to avoid them.The situation is made worse because the woman is recovering from alcohol addiction and managing ADHD. Her doctor told her to get more sleep, but she still feels guilty for napping. She wonders if taking care of her own needs makes her selfish. The couple’s work schedules add to the problem. The woman has a high-pressure job with a long commute, while her partner works from home in a more relaxed setting. Despite working similar hours, the woman feels her partner doesn’t understand her exhaustion. Most people who read her story online agreed with her. They pointed out that her partner’s expectations are unfair, especially since she works late and has to wake up early for the child. Many also noted that people who work night shifts often struggle with sleep and shouldn’t be judged for it.