[Marshellette]

I confided in a coworker that I slept little, often going days without sleep. She told everyone that I was a nutjob. And today I went looking for an apartment and when I told the landlord that the bulk of my money would be coming from disability money for the rent but that I would pay the rent (why does it matter where the money comes from as long as the rent is paid), I was denied an apartment, due to my disability, the lack of ability to sleep. From what I've seen everyone tells insomniacs to stop worrying and views them as baggy eyed and blood shot and biting their nails. I simply fail to ever get tired. What are some perceptions of insomniacs that you have witnessed, experienced or seen?

[Koko2]

My former supervisor was an insomniac, but it didn't seem to get in the way of her career or finding an apartment. Maybe she didn't discuss it with the boss or the landlord since she wasn't on disability for it. I suspect that their negativity towards you stems from the disability status more than your lack of sleep.

[Auntie2014]

This is an interesting post. I do not think a landlord can legally refuse to rent to someone based on a disability. I personally feel that my insomnia, if anything, makes me a better potential renter. Because my sleeping patterns are different hours than most people sleep I am more aware of noise issues and make sure that other renters don't hear noise form my living space at all. I respect "normal" hours for doing things like running the washing machine, use headphones for music and TV, don't bang doors or call the landlord to rat out other renters.

What I find is that my sleep patterns are my business and not necessarily a good topic for discussion unless I am talking to a health professional or close family member.

[happiedasiy]

I am sorry you were denied the apartment as you say due to your disability, this is illegal.
The best you can do is file a complaint, if the landlord did not want you there maybe it was for the best. I hope you find a even better apartment soon!
Everyone is different..
Perceptions are individual assumptions.
When I first moved into the house where I am today my neighbors may have viewed me as a little odd.
I say Take me as I am and you will find a beautiful, loving, compassionate person.
I have more energy at night. I am much calmer when the afternoon becomes the evening.
I like to go to the supermarket at night.
I garden in the dark!
Back to the apartment, money is money if you pay the rent on time they missed out.
Happiedasiy.

I don't need to tell anyone about my insomniac problem since my eyes tells all,lol. Eyes speaks the truth.. Where I live nobody cares about your lack of sleep just about things getting done on time. The only thing which disturbs me is when your family tells you to act like a human being & not an owl,lol.

[reesecups]

Originally Posted by Marshellette

I confided in a coworker that I slept little, often going days without sleep. She told everyone that I was a nutjob. And today I went looking for an apartment and when I told the landlord that the bulk of my money would be coming from disability money for the rent but that I would pay the rent (why does it matter where the money comes from as long as the rent is paid), I was denied an apartment, due to my disability, the lack of ability to sleep. From what I've seen everyone tells insomniacs to stop worrying and views them as baggy eyed and blood shot and biting their nails. I simply fail to ever get tired. What are some perceptions of insomniacs that you have witnessed, experienced or seen?

I think that maybe there is a law against that. Maybe something in the ADA. I would find out. Who should care if you're an insomniac? I wouldn't even tell them IMHO.

[looking4polaris]

My experience with other people and their perception of insomnia is that many believe you wouldn't have insomnia if only you would (do or not do whatever thing they are sure is the issue.) Also, the people around me who have never experienced insomnia seem to think everyone ought to be asleep when they are asleep and awake when they are awake...or earlier. Anything else is a character flaw. Napping is also perfectly understandable for them but not allowed for you. Lastly, they are usually certain that you really are getting more sleep than you claim to be.
I often wish I could wave the insomnia wand at these people until they have tossed and turned a mile in my bed.