How is ya'll's sleep?

[SadFreek]

I have been disagnosed with adrenal fatigue by a holistic doc since my reg doctor IS a complete idiot. Also Hypothyroid

My question is.. how are your people's with addisons or adrenal fatigue sleep? Refreshing?

Reason I ask is because I ca sleep 12+ hours and need a nap in 1-3 hours later. VERY unrefreshing sleep. I havent had a refreshing night's sleep in 5 years now. Always sleepy.

Is this common with ya'll and adrenal issues?

25 Male and yea, negative for sleep apnea

[WandaB]

Sleep does not refresh me. It is almost as though I didn't go to bed. One of the things I find very disturbing with addisons. I really MISS waking & feeling ready to take on the day.

Have you been diagnosed with addisons disease? If not, you need to have the ACTH stimulation test. It must be done correctly to be worthwhile.

What is your TSH level? It should be under 2. Maybe you need more thyroid med.

Diagnostic Testing for Addison's Disease


TEST 1: Electrolyte profile:

OBJECT: To determine if the patient exhibits a normal serum (blood) sodium and potassium levels.

THE TEST: A blood draw followed by automated determination of sodium and potassium levels as well as other standard blood markers.

NORMAL RESULT (will vary somewhat from lab to lab): Sodium 135-150 mEq/L; Potassium 3.5-5.2 mEq/L

PRIMARY ADDISONIAN: Will show significantly below normal values of sodium and a elevated (above normal) levels of potassium.

REASON FOR ABNORMALITY: Low or no production of aldosterone from the adrenal cortex. This steroidal hormone regulates our mineral balance and is called a mineralocorticoid. Primary Addisonians lose sodium and retain potassium. Abnormal values here, in additon to physical signs and symptoms, require the next test.


TEST 2: The ACTH stimulation test:

OBJECT: To determine if the patient's adrenal glands can respond to the ACTH message from the pituitary to increase cortisol production in the adrenal cortex.

THE TEST: The test is usually given first thing in the morning when normal cortisol levels are highest. Blood is withdrawn from the patient to establish a baseline (No instructions regarding necessity for fasting). The patient is given 250 micrograms (ug) of ACTH (Cortrosyn, Cosyntropin, or Synacthen) by injection in saline at one time. Blood is drawn at 30 minutes and/or 60 minutes and the serum cortisol level is determined.

NORMAL RESULTS: Normal pre-injection levels of cortisol are 5-25 ug/dL (138-690 nmol/L). The value should double at 30-60 minutes with a minimum of 20 ug/dL (552 nmol/L). PRIMARY ADDISONIAN: There will be no or little increase in cortisol levels upon ACTH injection. Notes: It is stated in several places that a single test of cortisol levels, or even 24 h urinary levels of cortisol and its metabolites, are NOT DIAGNOSTIC! In the normal individual cortisol levels are seen to pulse. Low cortisol production in either the serum or the urine after ACTH stimulation is diagnostic of Addisons disease.

[sonyamom]

I have the same thing you do, adrenal failure and hypothyroid. Both of these set us up for unproductive sleep. Before I was diagnosed I was on Elavil for migraines and that will help you sleep but you wake up so groggy the next day. Just know that there are others out here like you and we all understand how you feel. Good luck.

[SadFreek]

thanks for the replies. Good to know I am not alone.

I have not been diagnosed with addison's. I dont think I have full blown addisons but I know I am either on my way or have significant adrenal fatigue.

My tsh before meds was 4.565 and on 75 of Levoxyl TSH was 0.77 and my doc freaked out cause shes an idiot but I am now back on it. (Self-medicating which I plan to do with Cortef as well soon)

I had tried to get my doc to do the ACTH stim test but she is an idiot and must have a belief that if it wasnt used in the 50s or 60s it is in her words "voodoo".

Finding a doc that truly understands throid and adrenals is nearly impossible. To be a good doc, they can never stop learning.

And I totally feel the same way, I really miss waking refreshed ready to take on the day... 5 years now or so

[SadFreek]

I forgot to mention, the thyroid meds just seem to make the sleppiness worse 1-3 hours after taking them. Since there is a warning to address the adrenal problems before taking thyroid meds, is there a correlation between being even more tired after meds?