Keeping awake

[dorisday]

I just can not keep awake. I sleep well and I eat well. But by midday I feel I need a nap. Yesterday I fell asleep in the car from 11.00 to 11.30, again in the car between 4.00 and 4.30 then again while watching the tv btween 7.00 and 8.00. Then I had a good nights sleep from about 12.00 to 7.15am. Can I do anything to liven myself up.??

[IggyB]

does this just happen at this time of the year? could it be a lack of sunlight? can have quite an adverse affect on some, e.g. seasonal adjustive disorder. Try to get more sunlight, or invest in one of the many natural sunlight lamps that they produce, i've got one and find it very helpful for keeping up my spirits and livening me up during the winter

[dorisday]

I work virtually underground in a windowless office. So what you suggest, could be the cause. I try to get out at lunchtimes, but I am usually too tired to bother. It usually is this time of year too!! Normally in the summer I get home and am in my garden straight away. I think, instead of a cigarette break like lots of others, I will head for the roof and some daylight.

[andy hughes]

It sounds like SAD - Seasonal Affective Disorder - which is a recognised condition in which the absence of natrual daylight caused lethargy and mild depression in sufferers. You can alleviate symptoms by buying a light box which emits natrual light, but they are expensive. better yet, my colleague's advice, which is to get out in the daylight, and breaht in some lungfuls of fresh air around the middle of the day.

[skelly]

Is this just a winter thing? Or has it being going on for longer? Keep track of how you are over the coming months, and if you still feel like this in the spring don't be afraid to go to your doctor. Hopefully they will take you seriously if you still feel that you are unwell. Fatigue is an illness and can affect your life. I have noticed this in myself over the past few months but I never realised till recently how it was affecting me. Tiredness (even after a good sleep) and at any point in the day, headaches, dizziness, memory loss, sudden change in temperment, unable to organise simple tasks. I'm not trying to worry you, but if you have any of these symtems then get some advice. Simple changes can help, such as the right amount of exercise or a change in diet. It's only now when I look back over the past year or so that I can see how much damage it done to me without me realising it. I kept passing it off as normal.

[gazzawazza]

I do know within myself that the less I do physically then the more fatigued I feel, however if you are really worried about this then I would definitely seek medical advice as there are conditions which cause extreme tiredness.

[JB]

Maybe you need more than 7 hrs sleep per night

[5029]

Proplus are a good short term solution. Obviously not good for long periods of time, these caffeine tablets increase your awareness and make you feel awake for short periods of time, eg during exams or driving.

If you are having trouble sleeping, valerian (available from Boots, H+B or Tescos) relax your body to a sleepy state. Even better is Melatonin, but good luck getting hold of it over here!

[apricot]

Do you have headaches? Do you snore? If yes then you may have apnia which is a condition where you don't get enough oxygen when you sleep. More details are on the Net.

[dorisday]

Thanks for all your answers. There have been a great help.

[branchinghen]

almost definetly due to unhealthy lifestyle , exercise for 3 weeks and i gurantee you will feel the difference .