[18F] Experiencing overwhelming fatigue and sleep disturbances

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, possible explanations for your symptoms include:

• Narcolepsy: A neurological disorder that affects the control of sleep and wakefulness. People with narcolepsy experience excessive daytime sleepiness and intermittent, uncontrollable episodes of falling asleep during the daytime. These sudden sleep attacks may occur during any type of activity at any time of the day. In a typical sleep cycle, we enter the early stages of sleep followed by deeper sleep stages and ultimately (after about 90 minutes) rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. For people suffering from narcolepsy, REM sleep occurs almost immediately in the sleep cycle, as well as periodically during the waking hours. It is in REM sleep that we can experience dreams and muscle paralysis -- which explains the symptoms of waking up feeling unable to move and hallucinations.

  • Treatment for narcolepsy includes medications like stimulants, antidepressants, and sodium oxybate. Also, lifestyle changes such as avoiding caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, and heavy meals, regulating sleep schedules, scheduling daytime naps (10-15 minutes in length), and establishing a normal exercise and meal schedule may also help to reduce symptoms.

• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS): A complicated disorder characterized by extreme fatigue that can't be explained by any underlying medical condition. The fatigue may worsen with physical or mental activity but doesn't improve with rest. The cause of chronic fatigue syndrome is still unknown.

  • Treatment can include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), graded exercise therapy (GET), and medication to control pain, nausea, and sleeping problems.

• Depression: Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest and can interfere with your daily functioning. Symptoms can vary from mild to severe and can include feeling sad or having a depressed mood, loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed, changes in appetite, trouble sleeping or sleeping too much, loss of energy or increased fatigue, feeling worthless or guilty, difficulty thinking, concentrating or making decisions, and thoughts of death or suicide.

  • Treatment typically includes psychotherapy (talk therapy), medications, or a combination of the two. Lifestyle changes, such as improving sleep habits, increasing physical activity, and eating a healthy diet, can also help manage symptoms.

What you can do

1. Consult a healthcare provider: They can provide a formal assessment and order relevant tests if necessary. They can also provide appropriate treatments for your symptoms.

2. Maintain a regular sleep schedule: Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends.

3. Avoid caffeine and alcohol: These substances can interfere with your sleep.

4. Regular physical activity: Regular physical activity can often help reduce feelings of fatigue.

5. Stress management: Techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, or tai chi may help.

What you should look out for

Reasons to seek immediate medical attention:

• If you feel depressed, have suicidal thoughts, or have thoughts of harming yourself or others.
• If your symptoms significantly interfere with your daily activities.
• If your symptoms are causing you distress or concern.

Please remember that this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may not apply to your situation. Always consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate examination, testing, and care recommendations.