I could use some advice - Sleep Disorders Message Board

eragon76 · 01-15-2008, 05:52 PM

I have trouble falling asleep, usually takes me 2 hours or so to fall asleep, no matter how tired I am. I also suffer from memory loss. I have trouble remembering the simplest of things, and find myself stumbling for words often. I have chronic fatigue also that is ruining my life. I haven't the energy, or drive to do anything. I have had these problems for about 10 years. I had success relieving them once, but it was short lived. I was diagnosed with depression caused by chemical imbalance at the age of 14, and took different antidepressants because of it, when I turned 17 or so the fatigue started, as did the trouble sleeping, memory, confusion troubles. I was given prozac(non generic) and it made me feel great. I was sleeping great, no trouble concentrating, and full of energy, at the time I was in college, and my GPA went up 1.5 points. I was on the top of the world, then the meds stopped working for. I have since then tried different meds, all to no help. I got horrible side effects, mostly of a sexual nature which pushed me away from trying them. I workout, dont do drugs, dont drink alcohol. I am at the end of my rope. I have recently retried prozac(again the non generic) and it did nothing, only gave me the before mentioned sexual side effects. I dont know what else to try, and when I speak to my doctor about all of this I feel as though she isnt there for me. I have tried all I can think of on my won, as I said I workout, drink plenty of water, and multi vitamins. I am weary of trying another antidepressant, so I am looking for a treatment I can try at home, hopefully over the counter, with little to no side effects. I don't know where else to turn, or where to go to finally get the help I truly need to move on in life, any and all help will be greatly appreciated.

bethsheba · 01-15-2008, 06:31 PM

Have you ever been evaluated by a board certified sleeping specialist for a sleep disorder? Some of the symptoms you describe (trouble falling asleep, memory problems, depression, lethargy, fatigue, and confusion) can be symptoms of a sleep disorder which often can be treated without surgery or medications.

Bethsheba

eragon76 · 01-16-2008, 04:47 AM

I was going to a local sleep lab for a few weeks. They had me writing down when I fell asleep,and when I awoke. I did this for a few weeks, then went back, and they wanted me to start another log, but at this time I started Prozac, which messed my sleep habits up even worse, so I had to delay the log, and honestly I haven't gone back, thinking I would try home remedies, thats when I started working out, and taking multivitamins. I guess I should go back, and continue with the sleep study though.

mkgbrook · 01-16-2008, 07:22 AM

Your sleep lab is just having you do logs? Why haven't they hooked you up and monitored you in a sleep lab overnight while you sleep? Logs will only tell you if your sleep hygiene is good and life style. A sleep study will tell with out a doubt if you have sleep apnea or one of the other major sleep disorders. They seem to be drawing things out. Check the certifications of the sleep MD and sleep center in question. Go to an ABSM certified sleep specialist and the lab he is associated with. ABSM = American Board of Sleep Medicine.

You have many classic signs of a sleep disorder or thyroid condition. If the sleep study turns up 'nil. Get your thyroid checked out.

MG

bethsheba · 01-16-2008, 01:41 PM

I was seen by a board certified sleep specialist who scheduled a sleep study for me at the time of my first visit. I still did sleep logs as well as an extensive lifestyle questionare....the earliest I could schedule the sleep study was 2 months after that visit.

Bethsheba