> Because the switch doesn't flick until a second or two after I've woken up.

That sounds a lot like the "half-asleep state" being discussed before.

  > I didn't ask for help.
  > If you interpreted it as a request for help

You did right here[0]. You have to understand that I, cannot, read your mind. Nor can I hear any inflections in your voice. If you ask someone "how" you should expect them to answer. It is a reasonable and standard interpretation of such a question, especially as you continue. Getting upset at them is an extremely unreasonable thing to do.

It is not our miscommunication, it is yours.

You can take responsibility for yourself, no need to include others. I had more to write, but you clarified you didn't want help.

[0] https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45694744