What causes abnormal drowsiness followed by lethargy?

Question

I always feel drowsiness throught the day. Not even a nap can refresh my drowsiness. It is wierd. But to start out say I sleep 8 hours and as I wake up I don't feel refresh. I start to get drowsy all over again and need to sleep. Then when I finally get up I start to get drowsy and have a tendency to sleep again. I also feel lethargic and low energy. My muscle seem to feel weak too! Like I lost strength in my arms. What concerns me is I don't know what caused this. I've seen many doctors which includes a sleep specialist, psychologist, and a psychiatrist. They did many test and still haven't found out the cause. They prescribe me Provigil and I still feel drowsy even with that medicine in effect. Think of it as me not alert, but my heart is beating as if I were active but as for me feeling drowsy and need to sleep. I was also giving a CPAP machine I've used it for 5 months now and the drowsiness still attacks me. What can I do? Any information can be helpful. Thanks.

Nah. Not possible I don't take drugs other than those that are prescribe by my doctors.

Well this the information I can give you. I had 3 types of tests a polysmnograph, multiple latency test, and a narcolepsy panel. The first test found sleep apnea both obstructive and central apnea, and also found periodic limb movement disorder. The 2nd test found nothing. The 3rd test found a narcolepsy gene, but the doctor said it is not a diagnosis of narcolepsy. Also I had another test which was to determine if I was anemic the test proved negative. But I have been using the CPAP machine and that doesn't help, been 5 months of that. I was also given Provigil even with that in effect I can still fall asleep immediately. Now in mental disorders yes I was found with major depression with General Anxiety Disorder. That could be it, but not totally sure. Further research is still being done.

Oh I almost forgot to mention I also did a Thyroid blood test and that proved negative too. So basically my thyroid level is where it should be at.

In response to my diet. I eat oatmeal or cream of wheat every morning. For lunch I eat fruits and vegetables and some wheat bread. Then for dinner I usually eat vegetables and meat. Now I only eat light meals not heavy meals. Then when I am hungry I usually eat snacks like power bars. I don't drink soda or any fruit juice on the cause I have GERD. I do drink lot of water like 8 cups a day or sometimes I would drink gatorade. I do exercise about 30 mins a day, but sometimes a lil over that cause I go to CSUN and the campus is big so I also do lot of walking. So my class start from 2 and ends at 10pm that should be lots of exercise.

In response to my diet. I eat oatmeal or cream of wheat every morning. For lunch I eat fruits and vegetables and some wheat bread. Then for dinner I usually eat vegetables and meat. Now I only eat light meals not heavy meals. Then when I am hungry I usually eat snacks like power bars. I don't drink soda or any fruit juice on the cause I have GERD. I do drink lot of water like 8 cups a day or sometimes I would drink gatorade. I do exercise about 30 mins a day, but sometimes a lil over that cause I go to CSUN and the campus is big so I also do lot of walking. So my class start from 2 and ends at 10pm that should be lots of exercise.

Answer 1

Maybe sleep apthnia? My M in law had it for years and just got diagnosed. Now things are much better.

Answer 2

You mentioned that "many test" (your word, not mine) were done and the cause has still not been found. Which tests?

There is an almost endless list of conditions that cause daytime drowsiness and fatigue. How long has this been going on? If you used a CPAP, were you diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea or sleep apnea? Did you have polysomnography ordered by the sleep specialist? Have you been evaluated by a neurologist?

I have more questions for you than you have for us and I don't feel that I have enough information to work with. This is very interesting and I hope you will contact me with answers. I'd like to help you if I am able.

Anemia isn't rare in males. It's just far more common in females.

Answer 3

There could be many things that cause drowsiness.
Anemic... if you're low on iron. It is rare for males to suffer from anemia but it is possible, I happen to know of one myself.

Depression can cause you to feel lethargic.

Over sleeping can cause you to feel drowsy and lethargic like you need to sleep more. Maybe try getting only 6 or 7 hours for a few days and some exercise see if that helps.

I would start looking closely at what you're eating. Stay away from fatty and sugary foods. Get rid of caffeines and energy drinks... those are more likely to give you an energy crash in a few hours.

Are you getting your fruits and veggies? Exercise? Take multi-vitamins, drink lots of water. Make sure you're physically active during the day. I think the next professional I would see is a nutritionist.

If you have a boring office job like me, keep a bottle of water next to you. Drinking water through out your work day keeps you more alert.

I hope this helps.

Answer 4

sounds like you have pretty healthy habits for the most part.

running could be different though. its quit intense and your body WILL compensate. raising your mental chipper. guarenteed.

other than that I couldn't suggest anything. Sleep specialist? best bet I'd say.

GURDS... .aint that a pain in da ***. email me about your treatment. I think I suffer from the same and ulcers I took nexium for about 2 months and it helped alot, but still when I sleep my esophogus spams alot.

Answer 5

Cronic Fatigue syndrome? Orthostatic Intollerance, or maybe a form of narcolepsy?

Answer 6

have you been to a neurologist? mabye its a blockage of oxygen to your brain? have your blood oxygen levels checked. are you sure you dont have sleep apnea? Have you had your thyroid checked? Blood sugar problems? do you exercise? sounds horrible! I have hypothyroid and untreated I feel like staying in bed all day. I take Provigil for ADD, and it helps, too...

Answer 7

you know thats not normal - go see your doctor - he/she will run all the tests to figure out why you are so run down. until then...

drink lots of water, eat fresh healthy food, get some exercise ( it will actually increase your energy) all the common sense stuff.

Answer 8

It may be what you eat. Complex carbs and fatty foods knock you out. Try salads and fruits.

Answer 9

Quit smoking pot.