It looks like I'm sleeping, but I'm not

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When I get really stressed I've notice that I have a need to sleep or nap (well those are the best words I have to describe it). The thing is that it's not really sleep, I can wake up and still be physically tired and in need of rest, but my brain functions better. These "naps" can last for 10 minutes to an hour or longer, depending on if I force myself to get moving again.

I still hear things going on around me, I don't dream (regardless of how long I "nap"), and it's not physical rest. I'm mentality gone from the world and in my own mind, with my eyes closed and it looks , like I am sleeping.

When I'm feeling on the edge of a meltdown, if I have the opportunity to "nap", I come back mentality more stable and can avoid a full crying meltdown. If I'm forced awake before I'm ready it can send me straight into a meltdown.

Does anyone else do this? Is there a name or word for it or am I a dork and that's just how everyone naps?

i do that, but i dont know of a word for it. generally i will actually fall asleep during that time(like its some sort of passage to the real sleep). people used to think i was sleeping when i wasnt. a lot. now that im older and not on any nighttime checks to see if im asleep or not, it doesnt really bother me anymore. but i do know what your talking about. so its not just you

This happens to me. It's like I'm just resetting my brain or something. I just switch off for a matter of seconds and then I'm back to normal again. It's not sleep but it looks like sleep.

I know exactly what you mean. I don't know what it's called but I call it a catnap.

I meditate in a hot bath, in pitch darkness, with a menthol cough drop in my mouth for about thirty minutes.

During this time, I clear my mind and only listen to the sound of my breathing and tactile sensations (the heat of the water, the feel of air entering and exiting my lungs, etc). After the thirty minutes, I usually feel like I've napped for three hours. This greatly improves my mood and helps me concentrate during stressful times.

It's called taking a siesta

It's called a shutdown. What you describe is a classing example. It's a different kind of outbreak - instead of letting your emotions lead you(meltdown) you choose to shut them down, together with everything else. It can be a great alternative to a meltdown since you won't hurt anyone this way and you don't look crazy.

I can both nap regular and do this. I think of it as zen meditation.

I am alert and can hear and understand the conversation. At the same time, I feel relaxed and far away.