I realize that without restorative sleep, my likelihood of a full or semi-functional recovery is unlikely. I believe that I have had symptoms (may be unrelated or sub-clinical) since birth, that have unknowingly effected my sleep quality for years. Ironically, I was actually hyper as a child, (though always felt cognitively sluggish) but grew progressively more physically fatigued over the years. And, as life demands increased, I became abundantly aware of just how comparatively tired I was, napping whenever I could, to function.
FAST FORWARD: In the past 5 years, I have had a child, left the business world, started my own business and, unfortunately, deteriorated markedly health wise. I assume that the stress of it all turned on certain genes, which I'm really hopeful can somehow be re-expressed.
CONDITION(S): I have seen MANY doctors/specialists, with MANY diagnoses, including celiac disease and hashimotos. The overarching theme, is that I have a multi-factorial, highly complex case. I suspect that whatever is going on, is rooted in a dysfunctional immune system and neurological anomalies.
THERAPY: Unfortunately, my body and brain have not responded appropriately (or at all) to traditional prescribed therapies. I go on a gluten-free diet and my body/brain rebel. I take thyroid meds and feel like death. There are simply so many avenues to pursue. It's possible (I hope) that there is or are effective therapies for me that I may not have tried long enough or properly.
RELEVANT TESTS: I have also had numerous QEEGs and sleep studies. The QEEGs demonstrated that my brain is in a constant sleep state and the sleep studies have not provided much of any help. I was diagnosed with VERY mild sleep apnea (c-pap did nothing), unexplained excessive limb movement, mild snoring, and no REM. Thoughts?
SLEEP: I get, on average 7 - 9 hours nightly and, when possible, will take 1 to 2 naps daily. While sleep does little to help my functionality, the alternative is not possible. If I try to "power" through it, my body and brain deteriorate further. I'd also say that over the past 6-months, my sleep has grown increasingly fractured, waking up anywhere from 1 to 5 times a night. Interestingly, I noticed more recently, that I seem to be waking mid-dreams...maybe something to do with poor REM.
WAKING: It's an odd feeling to describe. I used to feel like I had been run over by a truck upon awaking. Very fortunately, that is no longer the case; not sure if I'm making progress or it's due to an improved/changed home life. Anyhow, when I first wake-up, I feel like my brain and body are in shock. I feel very wired, exhausted, disoriented, weak, shaky, occasionally sore, often needing to go to the bathroom, slight headache and stomach ache, and finally, I notice that my jaw is quite rigid (TMJ) and that my hands are clenched. Clearly, my body and brain are trying to defend themselves from something, while I sleep.
NOTE: I often exhibit involuntary movement, just before falling asleep. Also, for the past few years, I often wake up with numb arms/hands. I also experience an odd feeling in my legs before falling asleep, like they're slightly paralyzed and/or lacking circulation; not sure what to make of it all.
MEDS: The only therapy that has increased my functionality is not what I would consider to be the long-term solution. I have to take a benzo at night and prescribed stimulants during the day, just to stay awake. And, while I am physically upright, it's artificial and doesn't come without mild to profound brain fog and feared long-term consequences; i.e, there are a few cases of alzheimer's and parkinson's disease in my family and benzos/stimulants do not help in that category.
I'm very interested to hear other's thoughts/suggestions.
FAST FORWARD: In the past 5 years, I have had a child, left the business world, started my own business and, unfortunately, deteriorated markedly health wise. I assume that the stress of it all turned on certain genes, which I'm really hopeful can somehow be re-expressed.
CONDITION(S): I have seen MANY doctors/specialists, with MANY diagnoses, including celiac disease and hashimotos. The overarching theme, is that I have a multi-factorial, highly complex case. I suspect that whatever is going on, is rooted in a dysfunctional immune system and neurological anomalies.
THERAPY: Unfortunately, my body and brain have not responded appropriately (or at all) to traditional prescribed therapies. I go on a gluten-free diet and my body/brain rebel. I take thyroid meds and feel like death. There are simply so many avenues to pursue. It's possible (I hope) that there is or are effective therapies for me that I may not have tried long enough or properly.
RELEVANT TESTS: I have also had numerous QEEGs and sleep studies. The QEEGs demonstrated that my brain is in a constant sleep state and the sleep studies have not provided much of any help. I was diagnosed with VERY mild sleep apnea (c-pap did nothing), unexplained excessive limb movement, mild snoring, and no REM. Thoughts?
SLEEP: I get, on average 7 - 9 hours nightly and, when possible, will take 1 to 2 naps daily. While sleep does little to help my functionality, the alternative is not possible. If I try to "power" through it, my body and brain deteriorate further. I'd also say that over the past 6-months, my sleep has grown increasingly fractured, waking up anywhere from 1 to 5 times a night. Interestingly, I noticed more recently, that I seem to be waking mid-dreams...maybe something to do with poor REM.
WAKING: It's an odd feeling to describe. I used to feel like I had been run over by a truck upon awaking. Very fortunately, that is no longer the case; not sure if I'm making progress or it's due to an improved/changed home life. Anyhow, when I first wake-up, I feel like my brain and body are in shock. I feel very wired, exhausted, disoriented, weak, shaky, occasionally sore, often needing to go to the bathroom, slight headache and stomach ache, and finally, I notice that my jaw is quite rigid (TMJ) and that my hands are clenched. Clearly, my body and brain are trying to defend themselves from something, while I sleep.
NOTE: I often exhibit involuntary movement, just before falling asleep. Also, for the past few years, I often wake up with numb arms/hands. I also experience an odd feeling in my legs before falling asleep, like they're slightly paralyzed and/or lacking circulation; not sure what to make of it all.
MEDS: The only therapy that has increased my functionality is not what I would consider to be the long-term solution. I have to take a benzo at night and prescribed stimulants during the day, just to stay awake. And, while I am physically upright, it's artificial and doesn't come without mild to profound brain fog and feared long-term consequences; i.e, there are a few cases of alzheimer's and parkinson's disease in my family and benzos/stimulants do not help in that category.
I'm very interested to hear other's thoughts/suggestions.