My beautiful mum passed away 4 weeks ago, suddenly and unexpectedly but also expected at some point in the future as she had lung cancer but not in the way it happened. In ways it was a blessing not watching her suffer or in pain but I am full of regrets and guilt of not spending enough time with her especially on the last day I saw her . I am still off work and I am not sure when I should return ? How long is too long ? I’m not sleeping and I have dreamt about her almost every night since her passing , mostly okay dreams but last nights was upsetting. I feel empty. I feel lost. I feel heart broken. I miss her so much.
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I’m very sorry for your loss. Even if it’s expected, I don’t we can ever be fully prepared and it’s still a shock when it happens. 
There is no “too long”, unless you are in danger of being out of work if your workplace isn’t understanding. It takes the time it takes and you should return when you feel ready and want to return. Perhaps a phased return, if that’s possible. Someone said to me that grieving itself is full-time work and in a way it really is.
Posting and reading here has helped me a little and I hope it will help you too. 
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Hi Kelly
I too lost my mum suddenly and unexpectedly and its so traumatic. On top of grief you also have the shock of the situation to deal with. I was not sleeping and having massive anxiety but things have started to improve now, its been 4 months. With regards to work there is no right or wrong time, also it can depend on what work you do. I am a paramedic so lots of triggers for me, but when i did return to work it helped me to have a distraction and also something to focus on. I now struggle the most at weekends when i am not at work as this is the time i would usually see mum