Another Tired, Very Sleepy Person

[xerostar]

I'm 64 and I've had this problem now for at least 10 years but it's getting worse. Back in Oz I had all the blood tests, glucose tolerance tests, hormones, cholesterol. All show up as in the normal range.

I am overweight at 90 Kg but I've been that weight for the last 20 years. I'm 179cm short. My blood pressure is 130/80 heart rate resting 60 bpm.

I get up at 7.30am, have a shower and feel great. I have breakfast cornflakes, toast and a mild coffee.

I have a busy morning and then have lunch at midday. I have 2 sandwiches, a cup of tea or mild coffee. 40 minutes later, all I want to do is sleep!

I can hardly keep my eyes open. Even if I am in a shop talking to people, I just have to find a spot to lay down, I can not communicate anymore with people. If I'm in the car, I can't wait to stop and just sit behind the wheel even upright and I fall into a deep sleep within seconds. I can sleep for 20 minutes or even 2 hours. I wake up feeling a bit groggy but within 5 or 10 minutes I feel like my batteries have been recharged and I can then continue my day without feeling tired until bed time about 10 or 11 pm.

I've tried not eating lunch, but by 1 pm my eyes start to get sensitive to light and I yawn constantly. I have to lie down on the floor or slump over a desk!

This problem was one of the reasons I retired early - I could not face a full day of work because I knew I'd be dropping off to sleep when I should be working. Many visits to GPs and even a neurologist found nothing wrong. I have never smoked, I rarely have a beer. I get regular exercise. I used to ride my bicycle to work but the problem was still there. People use to say "You look sleepy!" and that was when I felt normal! I wondered if any other members have heard of a similar problem. I even mentioned to the GP that I read something about the dangers of narcolepsy where you can fall asleep for a split second and not be aware of it. I'm worried about driving too. I get the feeling that if I walk into a GP's office and I look healthy, they think you're a hypochondriac. I'm sure only visibly ill people get a fair hearing.

Any help appreciated.

[norwayeagle]

I'm 64 and I've had this problem now for at least 10 years but it's getting worse. Back in Oz I had all the blood tests, glucose tolerance tests, hormones, cholesterol. All show up as in the normal range.

I am overweight at 90 Kg but I've been that weight for the last 20 years. I'm 179cm short. My blood pressure is 130/80 heart rate resting 60 bpm.

I get up at 7.30am, have a shower and feel great. I have breakfast cornflakes, toast and a mild coffee.

I have a busy morning and then have lunch at midday. I have 2 sandwiches, a cup of tea or mild coffee. 40 minutes later, all I want to do is sleep!

I can hardly keep my eyes open. Even if I am in a shop talking to people, I just have to find a spot to lay down, I can not communicate anymore with people. If I'm in the car, I can't wait to stop and just sit behind the wheel even upright and I fall into a deep sleep within seconds. I can sleep for 20 minutes or even 2 hours. I wake up feeling a bit groggy but within 5 or 10 minutes I feel like my batteries have been recharged and I can then continue my day without feeling tired until bed time about 10 or 11 pm.

I've tried not eating lunch, but by 1 pm my eyes start to get sensitive to light and I yawn constantly. I have to lie down on the floor or slump over a desk!

This problem was one of the reasons I retired early - I could not face a full day of work because I knew I'd be dropping off to sleep when I should be working. Many visits to GPs and even a neurologist found nothing wrong. I have never smoked, I rarely have a beer. I get regular exercise. I used to ride my bicycle to work but the problem was still there. People use to say "You look sleepy!" and that was when I felt normal! I wondered if any other members have heard of a similar problem. I even mentioned to the GP that I read something about the dangers of narcolepsy where you can fall asleep for a split second and not be aware of it. I'm worried about driving too. I get the feeling that if I walk into a GP's office and I look healthy, they think you're a hypochondriac. I'm sure only visibly ill people get a fair hearing.

Any help appreciated.

Hi am not a doctor or similar,but when i have felt like you i do take this herbs.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schisandra and ginseng.these two 2gether really "boost u up" and are no danger 2 use....look this herbs up and see if it is worth a try

[moe666]

Stop eating so much carbohydrate your blood sugar spikes and you release insulin you have the hormonal bonk. Have some protien with your meals and cut out the bread that stuff is bad for you.

Also what is normal on the hormone test normal for a 64 year old get some real advice from a Dr. who speacilizes in life extension and get those hormones up to the level of a 35 year old.

I am 62 went thru what you are going thru in my 50s I got on thyroid and it saved my life and have been reading and expermienting since. When my family Dr. told me she wouldn't have prescribe thyroid medication because my blood test came back low normal I dropped her like a rock.

Also check out Natural Hormonal Enhancement been on this eating plan for a month and it is great. Slimming down and putting on muscle.

Good luck

[visareal]

I'm 64 and I've had this problem now for at least 10 years but it's getting worse. Back in Oz I had all the blood tests, glucose tolerance tests, hormones, cholesterol. All show up as in the normal range.

I am overweight at 90 Kg but I've been that weight for the last 20 years. I'm 179cm short. My blood pressure is 130/80 heart rate resting 60 bpm.

I get up at 7.30am, have a shower and feel great. I have breakfast cornflakes, toast and a mild coffee.

I have a busy morning and then have lunch at midday. I have 2 sandwiches, a cup of tea or mild coffee. 40 minutes later, all I want to do is sleep!

I can hardly keep my eyes open. Even if I am in a shop talking to people, I just have to find a spot to lay down, I can not communicate anymore with people. If I'm in the car, I can't wait to stop and just sit behind the wheel even upright and I fall into a deep sleep within seconds. I can sleep for 20 minutes or even 2 hours. I wake up feeling a bit groggy but within 5 or 10 minutes I feel like my batteries have been recharged and I can then continue my day without feeling tired until bed time about 10 or 11 pm.

I've tried not eating lunch, but by 1 pm my eyes start to get sensitive to light and I yawn constantly. I have to lie down on the floor or slump over a desk!

This problem was one of the reasons I retired early - I could not face a full day of work because I knew I'd be dropping off to sleep when I should be working. Many visits to GPs and even a neurologist found nothing wrong. I have never smoked, I rarely have a beer. I get regular exercise. I used to ride my bicycle to work but the problem was still there. People use to say "You look sleepy!" and that was when I felt normal! I wondered if any other members have heard of a similar problem. I even mentioned to the GP that I read something about the dangers of narcolepsy where you can fall asleep for a split second and not be aware of it. I'm worried about driving too. I get the feeling that if I walk into a GP's office and I look healthy, they think you're a hypochondriac. I'm sure only visibly ill people get a fair hearing.

Any help appreciated.

Hi am not a doctor or similar,but when i have felt like you i do take this herbs.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schisandra and ginseng.these two 2gether really "boost u up" and are no danger 2 use....look this herbs up and see if it is worth a try

yes, try the gingseng stuff and check this given website. ever watch the old chinese tai-ji-ing away in the lumpini park in bangkok? some are wellover 80 years old and believe you me, very alive and kikcking , and in bed too.their secret ? the ancient chinese secret of good food and a couple of minutes of exercising a day. by the way the ginseng stuff is cheap like most chinese herbs and some european pharmacists and doctors are known to shop for these stuffs in thailand to repackage and sell in europe. an american doctor told me these herbs are mostly amino-acid base and it is this stuff that those pumping a lot of iron are living on to get the zap in life - whatever that means. don't get me wrong, i am not advocating you take these stuffs and join the wwf or wwe wrestling shows. have a nice day.

Edited August 2, 2009 by visareal

[tim armstrong]

Stop eating so much carbohydrate your blood sugar spikes and you release insulin you have the hormonal bonk. Have some protien with your meals and cut out the bread that stuff is bad for you.

Also what is normal on the hormone test normal for a 64 year old get some real advice from a Dr. who speacilizes in life extension and get those hormones up to the level of a 35 year old.

I am 62 went thru what you are going thru in my 50s I got on thyroid and it saved my life and have been reading and expermienting since. When my family Dr. told me she wouldn't have prescribe thyroid medication because my blood test came back low normal I dropped her like a rock.

Also check out Natural Hormonal Enhancement been on this eating plan for a month and it is great. Slimming down and putting on muscle.

Good luck

Agree with you totally about the carbs. I had a similar problem a few years ago. I went on a variation of the Atkins and blood group diets. This basically meant eating more protein, fish and green vegies. No carbs after lunch and a light dinner mainly of fruit. In fact a semi vegetarian diet seems to suit me. I'm still overweight but have more energy. The other point is to really notice how much water you drink. Most of us don't drink nearly enough, and beer is not a substitute. Good luck.

[zorro1]

Sleep Apnea. Google it, millions have it , the number one cause of tiredness and it will kill you if untreated especially if your over 50

Edited August 2, 2009 by zorro1

[mommysboy]

The modern definition of normality is not necessarily the way the universe sees it.

You have good vital signs but are overweight.

Wanting to sleep after a meal is normal, even healthy.

Most animals just laze around most of the day anyway.

I'd lose weight if I were you.

[Datsun240Z]

The modern definition of normality is not necessarily the way the universe sees it.

You have good vital signs but are overweight.

Wanting to sleep after a meal is normal, even healthy.

Most animals just laze around most of the day anyway.

I'd lose weight if I were you.

[xerostar]

Thanks to all for the good advice.

If your're addicted to bread as I am, is there any medication

available for withdrawl symptoms or do I have to do it "cold turkey"?

Seriously I will try to lose weight, exercise and follow up on the herb treatments.

[bojo]

Could it not just be your age and carbs making you feel sleepy.

If all your tests have proved OK, you can either try cutting down on the carbs before driving , if that's a concern or just avoid driving after heavy eating. I have a very healthy friend, a similar age to you and he's always sleeping. If the doc has given you the thumbs up, just enjoy the 'golden years'.

regards Bojo

[sabaijai]

All good suggestions above, esp exercise, which in moderation should give you more energy.

If after taking such steps you're still falling asleep in the afternoon, why not just enjoy a regular afternoon nap?

[BEENTHEREDONETHAT]

As Zorro mentioned sleep apnea is a very possible cause, and if this is the case it is curable. google wikapedia sleep apnea. The following was taken from there.

A 2005 study in the British Medical Journal found that learning and practising the didgeridoo helped reduce snoring and sleep apnea, as well as daytime sleepiness. This appears to work by strengthening muscles in the upper airway, thus reducing their tendency to collapse during sleep.[

Good luck with it. Let us know how it works out.

[ianwuk]

I am 26 and I feel like this and sometimes just want to lie down in the street and sleep. But I just push myself to keep going.

Ian

[Sheryl]

OP: what medications are you on? This could be a side effect of one of them.

Assume your check ups included thyroid panel?

For sure, lay off the processed carbs.

May also want to consider whether the sleep you get at night is of sufficient quality and whether you may have sleep apnea or other sleep disorder. It is possibl;e to sleep enough hours but due to such problems not get sufficient rest/REM cycles.

[phetaroi]

All good suggestions above, esp exercise, which in moderation should give you more energy.

If after taking such steps you're still falling asleep in the afternoon, why not just enjoy a regular afternoon nap?

While not dismissing that there could be something wrong, I think you may be right.

I moved here on a retirement visa back in May. After the first couple of months I began feeling tired and it seemed like I wanted to sleep all the while. Drooled on my pillow, too, which has been mentioned in several other threads.

I debated about going to the doctor, but a fairly recent check-up had been fine. Then I decided to analyze my sleep and realized I was getting the same number of hours of sleep as I had back in the States, although distributed a little differently. I began thinking about how my life had changed here in Bangkok. For example, I no longer just hop into the car and drive to the grocery store. No, now it's a 12 minute walk each way along with carrying the groceries. In a day I am quite naturally getting far more exercise, and I attribute that to a varying sleep pattern.

[new2bangkok]

I'm no doctor but It sounds like hypoglycemia. Your glucose spikes and then drops very quickly.

You can have hypoglycemia without being a diabetes patient.

You should try to eat more meals a day in smaller portions, that helps balancing your blood sugar. Stop eating bread, pasta and other food that contains a lot of simple carbohydrates. Instead of that eat rice.

Combine your meals with plenty of lean protein (chicken, beef, salmon, tuna, eggs) and unsaturated fat. Protein and unsaturated fat helps to slow down the blood sugar spike.

Eat 5 to 6 small meals a day, low carbohydrate, medium protein and medium fat.

Being overweight might be a factor of your problem too. Try to lose some fat by doing cardio sessions of 30 to 60 minutes, 4 to 5 days a week.

I know you are 64 already, but it's never too late to improve your health!

Do you have that problem only when you eat bread, pasta etc.? If that's the case, maybe you should do a check for gluten intolerance.

[CobraSnakeNecktie]

consider giving up caffeine. Could be the adrenal glands are run down.

Withdrawl is hel_l but you could taper down your caffeine intake and then you would know in a week or so after going to zero. if your energy goes way up then you will know for sure. It works for me.

[Benjie]

Get up later.

[syd barrett]

Get a full blood test at a clinic/hospital.

Tiredness can be an early symptom of many serious diseases.