Do You Sleep With A Stuffed Animal?

[Blue Survivor]

I have started a new job (in addition to my current job) and it has been an adjustment for sure. I have a rickety headboard that bangs into the wall every time I turn over, so I shoved two old stuffed animals in between the wall and headboard to stabilize the headboard (that way it won't wake me up).

These aren't "special" stuffed animals; one is a horse and was a gift when I joked that I wanted a pony for Christmas the other is an elephant that I received as a gift for making a charitable donation. Who, btw, I named "Petey S. Dee" as a tribute to the PTSD elephant meme (say the elephant's name out loud lol)

I keep finding myself waking up with one of these stuffed animals in my arms! Does this happen to anyone else? Or do any of you sleep with a stuffed animal on purpose, or hug an extra pillow? Any suggestions why this might be happening? I have a suspicion it's the adjustment to the new job.

 

[Deleted member 38242]

I'm going to start. Nice! No pets, or kids, or anyone in bad, so that sounds good.

 

[Ronin]

Currently? Yes.

I know my why's, and it doesn't need the why's. It's just comforting and that's good enough.

 

[trying2movefwd]

Yes, purposely.

 

[barefoot]

I do. I sleep with my favourite childhood cuddly toy. My therapist suggested it last year and I was initially reluctant as it felt childish. But I gave it a go and now I really like it. I find it very comforting and it helps me to self-soothe.

 

[Deleted member 37085]

I have started a new job (in addition to my current job) and it has been an adjustment for sure....

Yes, @Blue Survivor at times I sleep with my stuffed bears; when things get really bad! And there are a few stuffed dogs, cats, and bears in almost every room where I live (total = about 10 or so). How very clever naming your elephant Petey S. Dee. Indeed!

I had previously even used a pacifier (stopped smoking 8/05) when initially trying to come to terms with corrected diagnoses in 3/2012 and the hell inferno that lied just beneath the awareness of mind's surface. I am not ashamed of what they did to me, and I will use whatever coping mechanism (that does not harm me) that works for me at the time to get me through life on life's terms conditions and challenges. And like Like your pseudonym resonates Blue Survivor - we here are all Survivors!

Do you believe there's a connection to sleeping with your stuffed animal and this new job? Are you feeling stress and anxiety? And as @Ronin said the whys of why I sleep with my beloved stuffed animals are not necessary here. For, I use to drink, drug, use sex, spending, cutting, suicide attempts, etc. to unhealthily and unsuccessfully get me through changes, challenges, etc. Very dangerous past coping skills, oh yes! I hope you do well in this additional new job, we are here all rooting for you @Blue Survivor! JJ

 

[Sandstone]

Yes, a whole family of pandas. They are soothing and comforting, and thinking about their back stories is a good way to occupy my mind when I wake at night.

 

[hodge]

I sleep with a prayer blanket. It really helps. But it's better when our cat Robert comes under the covers and snuggies with us. He doesn't like my prayer blanket. He wants to be right next to me, which is fine. He's a total snuggiebug.

 

[Deleted member 37085]

I sleep with a prayer blanket. It really helps. But it's better when our cat Robert comes under the cover...

Ahhh @hodge. So sweet! The Natural Calm (magnesium) Powders is working two-fold for me: one to yes calm me more, and also this product you suggested to members is great for digestive health and having regular - well, ya know. Thanks again! Enjoy your weekend. JJ

 

[Copper Princess]

I have started a new job (in addition to my current job) and it has been an adjustment for sure....

I have a lot of pillows on my bed but I tend to cuddle with a body pillow. Especially when I wake up afraid.

 

[Blue Survivor]

Thanks for your responses & encouragement; now I at least don't feel weird for being an adult and waking up with a stuffed animal even if I don't fall asleep that way. I do have two kitties who snuggle with me when I'm falling asleep and are there when I wake up, but I imagine they don't stay with me all night!

 

[gealach]

I'm a tummy sleeper and I have chronic pain in my shoulder, so I use a body pillow or just an extra pillow... whichever hasn't been launched across my room during a nightmare. I wish I had a cat or dog though.