Should I see a doctor...wierd sleep paterns + more?

Question

So for the past 2 or 3 weeks I have not felt very good (off/on). I felt sick a lot more than people usually feel sick. and I cannot sleep. It will take me FOREVER to fall asleep, but when I finally do, I only sleep for 4-6 hours. I wake up and cannot go back to sleep. I am always tired too, but I can't help it because I can't sleep. Every day I wake up earlier and earlier. This morning it was 4:30. I don't know what to do!!

i am only 15 and a female....if that makes any difference

Answer 1

I think that if your lack of sleep and not feeling well is making you consider seeing your doctor, then you should. Even if nothing is actually wrong, it could help you feel better emotionally and maybe you will be able to sleep. It is best to listen to your instincts.

Answer 2

First of all you need to rule a few things out. Pregnancy? Drugs? Excessive alcohol? I am not judging you but all of these can cause disruptions in your sleep pattern and a sicky feeling.

After those you need to think about stress. You sound pretty worked up but I think that's more out of desperation because of the lack of sleep you are getting. Do you have any ongoing issues like parents divorcing, moving house, changing school, being bullied, boyfriend problems, exams due? Stress has many different symptoms and laying awake at night, staring at the ceiling is probably the most common. Talking is the best treatment for stress. Find a friend that is a good listener and won't gossip about everything you tell her. It doesn't have to be a friend, it could be a neighbour, a friend's mum, a cousin or auntie, anyone. Once you've talked a few things off your chest you will feel better. Sometimes we need to hear that 'everything will be ok' from someone else.

Have you tried a relaxing bedtime regime. Soaking in a hot bath for 20-30mins and have a hot/warm drink (preferrable milk or cocoa) to see if that helps you unwind enough to sleep

Depending on how tired you always are during the day, you could have Narcolepsy. It causes excessive daytime sleepiness that you cannot resist, you simply have to give in and sit or lay down, even if only for 2-10mins. It makes you very lethargic and everything is an effort. If you have ever dosed off while having a conversation, eating a meal or doing the ironing (for example) then it could well be. Most narcoleptics pace the floor all night and, although some people suggest, that if they didn't have a sleep during the day, they would sleep all night, this is not the case at all.

You need to go to your doctor and explain that you are feeling fatigued all the time etc and that you have disturbed sleep all through the night. Mention the daytime sleepiness/tiredness first, then the broken sleep at night. If you ever have nightmares, tell your doctor about those too. If your Doctor cannot determine what the problem is, then he/she should refer you to a neurologist or the sleep clinic, who will run tests and confirm whether or not it is narcolepsy or any other sleep disorder. If it is, it's treatable .

In the meantime, there are other sleep-disorders that you could read up on and check your symptoms against those given. You can do this through Google Health, but you will definitely need to see your doctor.

Make the appointment today! Take care x

Answer 3

You are not alone because I can't sleep either and I have the same exact problems. I remember one night when I went to sleep then was still awake till the morning. So I was awake for about 24 hours. I only sleep 4 hours. I understand how you are and how you feel. Doctors won't do anything but tell you what not to do. Is such a waste of time. Do what I did. I didn't watch Television three hours before going to sleep and I also avoided eating or drinking hours before I slept. For example drinking diet coke or coffee will definteley keep you awake. And this thing will not last long. It will disappear before you know it and believe try what I did and then you could sleep. And this other thing is if you are missing someone who you love or so close to you might cause you to worry and cry. And don't think too much, you are probably stressed out and have so many things on your mind which is causing your brain to function that way. But just relax, do yoga and inhale and exhale. You will be okay. Just don't worry. Take my tips and you will sleep longer next time. Good luck. Hope you can sleep.

Answer 4

Don't know your age or gender but it seems as we age, we require less sleep. Some people can get by with 4 to 6 hours quite well, others not. Perhaps you are not getting enough exercise. Lack of exercise is not being identified as a #1 culprit in many common disease manifestations, i.e. lack of oxygen to the cells in all areas of the body results in cell necrosis. I suggest you start an exercise regimen at least 30 minutes a day of cardio. Pick whatever you enjoy doing. Outside would be best like walking, riding a bike or swimming or join a gym and above all stick to it. This is just as important as eating right, in fact it may be more important! Don't drink alcohol, don't smoke and don't take drugs prescription or otherwise. Your body is your temple, take care of it. If you don't, no one else will. It is your responsibility.

Answer 5

Have a check up at the doctors and if everything is fine go to nutrienist check out that you are eating correctly and see if multi vitamins would be good, you could be lacking in something. 6 hours a night is enough hours to sleep maybe you had been getting to much sleep and your pattern of sleeping isnt good at moment. good luck

Answer 6

Caffeine can make you have these symptoms. Most people think of caffeine as coffee. Actually caffeine is in soda's, teas, and an additive to many foods/drinks.

Chocolate is loaded with caffeine. Also alcohol can have this effect on you. Try avoiding all of them. If the symptoms do not go away, see a doctor. Remember to read the ingredients in everything so as to fully avoid caffeine.

Answer 7

There are a lot of great articles and information on how stress can effect sleep at ( http://www.reducingstress.net ). there are also many tips for solving the problem. Also, there is a link to the stresseraser which is a great biofeedback device that can help you get to sleep.

Answer 8

Talk to your doctor and maybe get a sleep study done at the sleep clinic. Could be sleep apnea or pretty much anything, but you should get it checked out.

Answer 9

It could be alot of things that are happening to you, could be stress, could be that you think alot when your about to go to sleep.I would try drinking a glass of milk at night, and see if that helps.If it continues then i would see someone about it.Could be a sleep disorder and can be treated with medication.i wish you luck and hope you sleep well in due time

Answer 10

Drink some Nyquil and milk b4 bed. You will sleep like a baby.