Looking for advice - work anxiety around overnight stays

I have an event coming up at work next month and I am being asked/expected to stay overnight in a bunk barn with other colleagues the night before. The thought of this gives me terrible anxiety. I really struggle with sleeping in a room with other people (except for my husband). I feel really self conscious and end up with terrible insomnia and the next day more often than not I get a crippling migraine where I can’t see or move and end up vomiting for hours. It’s horrible and I can take medication for the migraines when I feel an attack coming on but the meds are strong and I know I manage them easier by just trying to avoid situations that cause me stress anxiety and lack of sleep. I’m not sure how to explain this to work without sounding like I’m a child who can’t sleep away from home! I still want to attend the event and am capable of working it, my only issue is the sleeping arrangements the night before. Any advice on how to deal with this would be hugely appreciated.

You are not alone! I feel the same way about sleeping in the same room with other people. Have you ever thought about taking melatonin for sleeping? If helps with my insomnia and has never let me down. It is fast working and since it is a work trip, I feel like your coworkers would be respectful of each other’s privacy. Sleep is a very personal thing, after all. Another option could be to ask to get your own room or travel separately and get a hotel to yourself! Your supervisor or boss should be respectful about your concerns. I don’t feel that you are acting or sounding childish at all. Just explain that you would perform your best if you had your own space, due to medical/ anxiety/ insomnia issues. This is very common and I feel the best thing to do is to speak your truth. Don’t put yourself in an uncomfortable situation to please others. :) Good luck!