Q: I am a 25-year-old female who always feels sleepy. I get at least 8 hours of sleep every night. I sleep all night without waking up; however, I do not feel rested in the morning. I have a regular and consistent bedtime schedule, eat healthy (lot of fruits and vegetables) and I exercise four times a week for an hour. I just don’t know what’s making me so sleepy.
I’ve been to the doctor and my health is very good, gallbladder, liver, appendix, etc. I have had blood work, been checked for anemia, and everything always comes back perfect. I have had a sleep study done and do have a “restless limb movement disorder”. I’m not sure if this is contributing to my low energy or not. I do not take any medications that could contribute. Lately I’ve been more sleepy than normal but nothing in my life has changed. I feel I could sleep my life away. Perhaps I could be deficient in some type of vitamin? Your suggestions on this would be greatly appreciated.
A: Because you indicate you eat well, exercise, have had normal lab testing, and aren’t anemic, this requires thinking outside the box, so to speak. And, while you may quickly reject some possibilities, let’s cover them, anyway. Surprisingly, almost 20% of all adults have a similar problem that is severe enough to affect normal activity.
Your limb movement disorder differs from restless legs syndrome (RLS) but could cause your feelings of sleepiness. It can be primary or secondary and related to an underlying medical condition such as anemia, narcolepsy, diabetes, iron deficiency, thyroid condition, and more. Treatment is provided through medication.
Sleep apnea occurs when the upper airway collapses for a minimum of 10 seconds, repeats constantly throughout the night and unknown to the individual, interrupts breathing and sleep as well.
Narcolepsy is a condition in which a person is unable to control the overwhelming urge to sleep, regardless of the time of day or night. Were this to be your problem, treatment might consist of a central nervous system depressant, stimulants to prompt you to remain awake, or antidepressants for some of the unwanted side effects.
Depression that may be denied and dismissed rapidly, may affect behavior and thought patterns that can cause insomnia, or increase the urge to sleep as a means of coping. A loss of energy and constant fatigue are common. Treatment might include therapy, medication and a modification of diet for those individuals who do not eat well.
You did not list being on any medications or OTCs in your brief note. There are several such as antihistamines that can contribute to sleepiness. Herbal supplements might contribute to your condition. Or, the medical condition hypothyroidism can present with fatigue, as can high blood pressure and several other possibilities. You should make a complete list of everything you are on and present it to your physician for review.
Boredom may be difficult to admit to. If surrounded by activity, we tend to perk up and be more alert; however, when little is going on, we tend to feel relaxed, perhaps to the degree of dozing off to excess. Do you work, actively participate in group gatherings, get outside to walk around the block with a friend or neighbor, sit in on classes sponsored by local libraries or health agencies, go to the movies, read, or bake? If the answer is no, you may sleep from boredom and if so, perhaps it is time to speak with a therapist who can help you put things in perspective.
Return to your physician. If he or she is unable to help, ask for a referral to a sleep specialist. Bring your test results and ask if other testing is appropriate. Become involved, particularly if you live alone.
Good luck.
Other readers interested in learning more can order Dr. Gott’s Health Report “Sleep/Wake Disorders” by sending a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and a $2 US check or money order to Peter H. Gott, MD Health Report, PO Box 433, Lakeville, CT 06039. Be sure to mention the title or print an order form from www.AskDrGottMD.com.
