Autistic Shutdowns: Does Anyone Else Fall Asleep When Overloaded?

I get that too, after sensory overload or anxiety/panic or ptsd flashback or any intense emotions. I call it “powering down” I usually have a few seconds when I notice it’s happening. I don’t always sleep sometimes I just mental+physical nothing for a few minutes. Can’t see or process inputs.

I always feel exhausted after a meltdown/shutdown/being triggered. Afterwards all I can do is rest. Listen to your body and allow yourself the time to recover. 💕

It doesn’t happen to me personally, but it could be related. I agree with what Emily said and sleeping is a way to kind of mute sensory input, so it could be your response to overload.

sensory overload can be exhausting which can translate as feeling sleepy.