I know where you're coming from, I use a closed notebook with external display sometimes.
I might need to be more specific.
If the notebook is used as a typical notebook, and one closes it with the intent of putting it to sleep, once sleep has been reached an external mouse should not wake it.
However if you do toggle the power settings to allow the machine to function with the lid closed and/or machine docked then you do want to mouse to wake it keep awake the machine.
One had some shit in the background the prevented standby.
Other was so simple it pissed me off....
.. the damn mouse jostling around in the laptop bag was walking it up.
I'm still going to point the finger at windows because 1) there should be a better tool for identifying what is keeping a system awake and 2) should be default for a mouse to not wake a portable machine who's lid is shut.
I'm a few years younger, and have also started down the road to be assessed.
Your post resonated strongly with me.
Just normal life feels harder than things should be, but the Aussie attitude for blokes is "she'll be right mate, stop being lazy and don't be such a pansy"
I fight really fucking hard to try to keep my shit together and be 'normal' and I'm tired.