It’s no secret that one mind control method is sleep deprivation, but cults don’t say they are depriving you of sleep. Remember–they are sneaky.
My super special cult induced sleep deprivation a variety of ways.
Get a Second Job
Our cult suggesting getting a second job to pay for their marketing materials and products.
I mean, I was spending hundreds of dollars each month on beauty products, energy drinks, and vitamin supplements. Because it was from >>my<< business. And probably another hundred on books and CDs for self-education.
I had a full-time job at a bank and a part-time job waiting tables working ~60+ hours per week.
I worked 7 days a week. I would sleep in the bathroom stall at my fulltime job on my break ala Broad City.
Meetings, Meetings, and More Meetings
I attended a local meeting in a hotel ballroom every Monday. The meeting was an hour, there was socializing after, and all the folks who were in it to win it would gather at their upline’s car to talk about hopes and dreams. Occasionally these talks would turn into “let’s go grab some food,” and we would go to an all night diner. Every Wednesday, there was a meeting an hour away which I would attend about once a month. To >>rub elbows with<< leadership. There were many many late nights.
On a certain night as I was heading down the highway, running a bit behind (remember–I had two jobs at the time), and I got pulled over by a state trooper. It turns out that I had a warrant out for a fix-it ticket that I had fixed, but not shown a police officer (now I know!).
I ended up getting taken to the police station and put into a holding cell. I remember having to take out all my hair pins that were holding up an elaborate bun and that I ended up looking very rumpled for my police headshots. I think I may have smiled in the photos. I certainly know that I sang in my confinement room to pass the time.
When I was allowed to make a phone call, I made one to my dad, who drove an hour both ways to bail me out. I don’t think I ever paid him back. Things are a bit of a blur during that time. Remember–I was incredibly sleep deprived.
Functions
Oh boy the functions. A function is an event that takes place in a different city. It would often be a larger gathering than our local weekly meeting–a way to get together with our larger group with our upline’s upline. Saying no didn’t even feel like an option. It was, “how am I getting there?”
It was always a long drive. Once a month or so it was within a couple of hours away and we would drive there, attend the meeting, and drive back in one day. Other times we rented a bus and drove for hours and hours.
Have you ever tried sleeping on the floor of a Greyhound bus? Next to the tiny toilet that is collecting the waste from 25 other humans? We were all running on adrenaline by the time we arrived at our destination.
Once we were there, it was time to shower, dress, put on copious amounts of makeup (from the business!), and curl our hair just right. We shared hotel rooms, shared beds, did >>whatever it takes<< to be there for the ultimate hype fest in a huge arena.
Of course these enormous parties went late into the night and were followed by other social activities–sometimes just hanging out in the room of an upline talking about nothing. Or talking about how you’re totally fine giving up college to make tons of money and have the best life living on the beaches of the world.
Did I mention we sold energy drinks? I think there’s a reason for that. I’m exhausted just thinking about it. Good thing I was young!
Call Your Upline Every Night
We were encouraged to check in with our superiors on a nightly basis. We couldn’t just call at anytime–the prime time to >>make contacts<< was from 5-8pm. So we would be out and about cold contacting potential members during that time in theory. The phone call was essentially to update our mentors on our accomplishments for the day. Since we were out >>contacting<< during prime times, we couldn’t call our upline until about 9pm. Then you might talk for an hour.
Seriously, how did I survive this?
Sleep Deprivation as a Cult Tactic
Sleep deprivation is a great mind control tactic. When you are tired, your critical thinking is low and you move to survival mode. When you’re in this state of mind, your brain is more malleable. The brain fog ensures that you’re not questioning the authority of the almighty business.
And that’s right were the cult wants you. Again, no one ever came out and told us they were depriving us of sleep. It’s possible that some members didn’t know their advice was enabling severe sleep deprivation. But it was happening to the majority of members.
Update to add: I watched this interview and my jaw almost fell on the floor at minute 29:30 when they started talking about how Amway uses sleep deprivation as a tactic. Specifically my business and team I was a part of!
