Sleep, stress and feeling tired

Morning, Priya, it's Mehmet. I'm so sorry, I'm running late. I overslept. My alarm went off at seven, and I pressed snooze. Five times. Five!

I had an all-nighter on Sunday because of the report, so I'm really sleepy today. Now I can't stop yawning, even on the bus. The man next to me is yawning too. I think I started it.

I'll be there in twenty minutes. Can you tell Mr Clarke for me? And please save me a coffee, a big one, with extra sugar. If I'm not at my desk by ten, check the bus. I might be asleep on the top deck.

Morning, love. Did you sleep well? Because I didn't. You snore like a lorry, you know. At two o'clock I counted, and I stopped at forty-five.

I tried to toss and turn quietly, then I gave up. I also think the mattress is too soft. My back hurts. Let's go and look at a new one at the weekend.

And then I had a strange dream. A nightmare, really. A big brown bear was sleeping in our bed, and he was snoring very loudly. I woke up so scared that I turned on the light. Guess who was lying there with her mouth open? Yes. You. Cup of tea?

Are you still up? I know it's two in the morning, but I'm wide awake. I'm so stressed about my exam on Friday.

I tried to wind down. I had a hot shower, drank some tea and put my mobile in the kitchen for an hour. Nothing. Now I'm lying here and I can't fall asleep. Why do I always stay up so late before exams? I'm clever, but I'm not that clever.

Anyway, how's your night? Are you watching that series again? Don't tell me what happens in episode six. I'm only on episode two. Right, I'll try counting sheep. If that doesn't work, I'll count my notes.

Tom, you look worn out. How many hours did you work last week? Sixty? Wow.

I think you're burnt out. I felt the same last year. I was overwhelmed with emails, I was always run down, and I was ill every month. It's not funny, it's your body saying stop.

You should talk to Sally about your work. And you should get some rest. Take a long weekend and switch your phone off. I'll cover your meetings on Thursday, no problem. Oh, and drink something that isn't coffee. Water, maybe? Yes, I know. Just try it.

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