Always tired

I just can't shake it. Even after 9.5 hours of sleep, I still feel like a truck has hit me...
I need to disappear off the face of the earth for a while.

suga
Well, you have had a awful lot to take in the last couple days. It's going to take some time, you know? Be gentle with yourself about that. And even in the physical sense of tiredness, surely what the mind is processing has impact there as well. (And...well, a bit of recovery physically speaking too, ya? Kinda put a hurtin' on the bod there...) Glad you got 9.5 hours -- that's good!

Sorry you're feeling hit by a truck. Hope you can get to feeling refreshed. You will, but it might take some patience, so go easy on yourself. You'll get there.

Thank you. Wondering if it's also due to coming off Klonopin (or really taking it too much on an ad hoc basis and sometimes at quite high doses - and sometimes alcohol). So, possibly a bit of withdrawal.
I am feeling better emotionally, but physically, I'm finished.
Will decide this afternoon if I will do to hospital for a few days to get into a bit of a rhythm again

Aside from the S. Apnea, I know for me, when I've gone through a plethora of stuff in like, a week, I sleep and sleep for two or three days....I think partly because I'm not in the best physical health, but also because stress--on top of having to deal with and be out in "the world"--just wears my ***** out.

Be gentle with yourself if you can Sug. Your body, mind and spirit deserve it.

But I'd need to then book some time off work to stay at home and just sleep...

That's exactly how I've been feeling, Suga. Sleep but no rest. I just need a vacation. I just want to sit still in a comfy chair and not move.

I feel ya! I usually wake unrefreshed, regardless if I sleep 6 hrs or 12, and I've had times I sleep much more unmedicated.

Just in case, check your hemoglobin levels. Low hemoglobin can manifest itself in feeling tired despite having had enough sleep. Pull your lower lid out and downwards - is it pink or red inside? The darker, the better.

Have you been tested for chronic fatigue syndrome or have thyroid checked. I just ordered one of those SAD lamps. I've heard really good reviews on it. I sleep 12 hrs and still have no umph to get up and do anything although I'm not depressed.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

I have had my thyroid tested. I had a bunch of tests recently also on other things due to my physical illness a few months ago.

This has been bothering me for years and years. I'm getting to the point where I struggle just to drag out of bed. I never used to be this bad. I wish I had advice on it but I don't.

Had a full blood test about a year ago, but probably am due again now

Hadn't had full bloodwork in four years until a couple months ago. It was then I learned I had Iron Deficiency Anemia...despite normal periods. Nurse said they see it alot in young women regardless of menstrual stuff.

That, on top of my Sleep Apnea diagnosis, really pulls it all together. I went out of town a few weeks ago---hadn't done in years--with the anxiety of not being home and being on my period. I had the energy to do all of it. And I know 100% three months ago there's no way I could have done probably any of it without multiple panic attacks (my attacks have since diminished significantly).

I hope all of you with sleep/energy issues find the answers you need. I know all too well what it's like to feel like utter **** and have no reason, even though intuition tells you something is seriously up.

I've been using a lightbox for years, & getting up to greet the day in a reasonable state seems to be helped by it. However, I live in a particularly cloudy part of the States. I've also had some luck using Vitamin D...which compensates for the reduced sunlight this time of year. These are just two suggestions, sugahorse. Take them with a grain of salt, as different things help different folks. (Whoops! I just checked & found you're from S.A....where summer will soon be upon you.)

I only wake up when then sun is already pretty much up at the moment. Our weather has been terrible, mostly rainy, the last while.
I'll maybe try some iron supplements anyway.
Thanks

They also say that cooking in cast iron is good for iron levels. Especially acidic foods that are cooked in them. (Though... don't make homemade tomato sauce from scratch cooking it for hours and hours in it. Learned that one the hard way. Oh my. )
I've always been a big cast iron fan and had really solid iron levels every time it's been tested. So... I believe it.

I am always tired too. In fact, I have felt tired for a couple of years now, almost all the time.

I am on Lithium, Prozac, and Zyprexa. I am on a heavy dose of the Lithium but not so much on the P and Z.

I have blood tests regularly because of the need to monitor the Lithium and my doctor has not alerted me to any issues when I have the blood tests. I just looked at my last blood test as I was reading this. I had the test done in September. Looks like my hemoglobin levels are fine. I can't find a thyroid part on the blood test sheet-when I go to my doctor beginning of November I think I'm going to ask about the possibility of hypothyroidism. It's good to check, I guess.

My doctor and I have discussed sleep apnea; I don't think that's me. My husband said he never observed the symptoms in me while I was sleeping. I know I could do better on nutrition and exercise so maybe improving these areas would help me out. Today I bought a good multivitamin and some calcium chews and Omega-3 pills. I'm going to try to work on my health.

Other than that I don't know what could be wrong. I have heard in this thread about the use of light boxes...I have thought about getting one myself. I live in a warm, sunny climate, but I'm indoors for work every day and I live in an apartment without a porch or yard so I don't get as much sunlight as I should.

I am interested in exploring more options for everyone on this thread that has similar issues. I know I'm stumped!

Thanks!

-KAT

I can totally relate to being tired too.
Im so tired all the time.
I think it's interesting what hamster bamster said about hemoglobin and looking at the underside of your eyelid.
mine is always a light color... sort of a light peach.
i wonder if that means anything.

My sleep dr told me there are numerous sleep disorders, and someone can be diagnosed with one sleep problem, only to find out months later that they have another one as well,

I'm not saying you have S. Apnea, obviously, but I do know ppl with it can sleep on their stomach, not snore at all....typical indicators of sleep apnea (I do both). Just saying seeking out a sleep dr is worth ruling it out. I got to the point of desperation---desperate for answers. Sleeping 12 hrs a day and barely able to crawl out of bed--became too much. I knew at least if I went and the dr said I had no sleep issue, that was one more to rule out. But he told me the big symptoms are never feeling rested despite lots of sleep, taking naps everyday, feeling like you can fall asleep sitting up, difficulty concentrating, memory loss, etc.

My P-doc told me my sleep issues were vastly affecting my Panic Attacks and anxiety. I found it interesting he didn't mention any of my other dx-es. Sure enough, two months using my sleep machine, and I've had one major Panic attack, one minor one, and my overall everyday anxiety has diminished a lot. I was shocked, to say the least.

I hope I don't come across as trying to convince everyone they have sleep problems. But w/everyone having similar issues, normal bloodwork, etc. it makes one wonder. My sleep dr told me sleep disorders are vastly underdiagnosed, because ppl are able to keep functioning despite their problems.

I'm having a sleep study done in a couple months. the waiting list for the sleep specialist is so long.. I booked the appointment back in August.
I'm just wondering, what exactly is a sleep machine?

Good luck on the sleep study!! That sucks you've had to wait so long.

There are a few diff types of sleep machines. The one I have is called an APAP machine (Automatic Positive Airway Pressure). It's about the size of a small laptop, very lightweight. It has a 4' plastic tube that connects from the machine to my sleep mask (there are many types of these; I had to try 2 before I found one that worked for me). After I was diagnosed, my Sleep Dr had the pharmacy (who sells the machines) set the range of air pressure from 4-18 (4 being if I wear the mask while watching tv, wide awake, no need for oxygen pressure increase). 18 is the maximum level of oxygen that can be sent to my mask and pushed into my airways. Different ppl need different numbered settings.

So for example, as soon as I put on my mask, a sensor in the machine notes it, and immediately causes the mask to suction to my face (doesn't hurt, just takes awhile to get used to). Once I fall asleep, the machine continues delivering air pressure through my mask. If my throat/airways are fully open, the pressure stays at 4. If my airways start to collapse (all of this in my sleep, while I'm unconscious), the machine automatically bumps up the pressure of the oxygen so my lungs/brain are getting adequate airflow (hence the term "Auto" in APAP). Essentially the machine does for me in my sleep what my body can't adequately do. The nice thing about the long hose is you can twist and turn anyway you wish, and there's no worries about it not reaching.

Also the machine is very quiet; it makes a barely audible, "Whirr"/whistle sound; my bf doesn't hear it and he sleeps next to me. The machines online are very expensive, like $1000, but through one's pharmacy the price can be cut in half.

I hope I answered you question. If not, or if you have more, don't hesitate to ask!

Thank you for that info.
Doesnt sound too bad..
Is it embarrassing? what if I sleep over someone's house...would I need to take it with me?
Does it run on batteries? The electricity goes out here sometimes for several hours.
I switch positions all night long so I wonder if the hose would get tangled or smashed?....
(That is, if I do end up needing one.)
As far as expense, Ilearned that fortunately my insurance covers it 100% if it is prescribed.
I wear earplugs so I won't hear myself snore, but the snoring still wakes me up when I stop breathing.
Will this machine stop me from snoring too?

LiveThroughThis, thanks for more information on sleep apnea! You taught me some things that I didn't know, for sure. I was a little confused when you were talking about sleeping on one's stomach. Is this a sign of sleep apnea? Maybe you can clear that up for me. Because I ALWAYS sleep on my stomach. I also snore sometimes although I'm not gasping for breath, at least that my husband knows of. But you're right, ruling it out is a good idea. Why not?

I sleep 9-10 hours per night but I still feel exhausted most of the day, I don't know if it's depression or not, but it just seems that I wouldn't be constantly feeling tired like this for so long if it was just depression. I really appreciate this conversation!

Thanks!

I guess the embarrassing part is subjective. Some ppl think I look like I'm about to enter a HAZMAT area, some ppl think nothing of it. I can't say I enjoy ppl having to see it, but it's something I have to accept.

Don't quote me on this, but if you were dx-ed Sleep Apnea, I think your Dr would advise using the machine/mask every time you sleep--including naps--regardless of where you are. I recently went out of town and had to bring it with me, but the machines come in a nice/nondescript bag; no one would know it has a sleep machine inside.
I don't know about the batteries. I would think that could be an option. Just make sure you asked your Dr/pharmacy.
Switching positions is no problem, at least for me. The machines have a significant length of "tube" that allows you to toss and turn. Not once have I gotten tangled up in the tube or felt choked--and I tend to move a lot.
I don't know how the effects are for everyone, but I use a nose mask (a kind that only covers my nose, because I breathe thru my nose when sleeping; ppl that breathe thru their mouth use a mouth mask), and ever since I've started it, my bf says he never hears me snore anymore, and he used to hear me several nites a week....and this is with nothing covering my mouth,

Hope this helps.

Hope your feeling better.

I am so glad I can offer some information! When I first went to my Sleep Dr it was a whole new world; no one I knew had it so I had to figure a lot of it out on my own.

I'm sorry, I was confusing in that post regarding sleep positions. Ppl w/Sleep Apnea often sleep on their backs (which increases the likelihood of the throat muscles collapsing in one's sleep), and snore---I was doing a lot of both. What I meant to say is my Dr has patients who sleep on their stomachs, don't snore, and still have Sleep Apnea. Essentially, there are general "qualifiers", but no definitive symptoms for all.

I kind of had the opposite thing with snoring. I never once heard myself snore, but woke my (sound-sleeping) boyfriend numerous times. I don't think you have to wake someone up with your snoring in order to check out a possible sleep problem. I know Mayoclinic and WebMd's sites have good info about this. Pre-diagnosis, I woke myself up three times not breathing, and it was terrifying. Ironically, when I woke my bf with my sleeping, he would record me so I could hear it later; what I heard was an unusual snore followed by a gargle-y, kind of hoarse breathing. That freaked me out, but my bf didn't think it was unusual (little secret: he does a lot of the same stuff in his sleep but won't check it out, ). When I first heard those recordings, my gut told me that wasn't normal. Lo and behold.

As far as never feeling rested, I've been like that most of my life. Ever since my teens, I've had sleep ranging from insomnia to laying in bed for hours before falling asleep, to sleeping 12 hours and waking up feeling like I never went to bed. It got to the point for me where I was so tired I almost hurt; it was like having mono all the time. That was when my P-doc was like, "Get that looked at, Now." The thing was, I had a lot of anxiety at that particular time, but no real depression (I've had severe depression on and off for yrs, so
I knew what that felt like)....I knew this lack of energy wasn't depression.

Admittedly, I am severely overweight, but I'd been overweight before and never felt this way. My Sleep Dr says it's hard to say whether the Sleep Apnea has contributed to the weight gain, or vice versa (though he said he has clients in perfect health that also have Sleep Apnea).

I told him about my sleep history, pre medications, etc., how even when I was in the best physical & mental shape of my life I had bouts of this same fatigue. He said, "Your entire history is textbook Sleep Apnea." So it's possible I've had this for many years and never known it.

I'm so glad you appreciate my posts. I hope I'm helping ppl with this info. After so long with energy issues/being tired, never did I think I had a sleep disorder. Crazy stuff.

I'll try to find a link to the machine I use so InsideOut can get a visual.