Question
I'm currently working in Baghdad, Iraq. I seem to be having a problem staying awake throughout the day. No matter how much sleep I get, it doesn't seem to help. I do probably sleep too much though. I understand in my current work location and stress might have something to do with it... But I've always been a person that could sleep anywhere. While in high school one late night driving home I even had a reck from falling asleep. Is there anything I can do to help me out? I've taken caffine and it helps, but when it wears off I'm worse off then I was before I took the caffine. Please help me...
Tek
Answer
First of all I think that the reason you are sleeping or sleepy thru the day is probably because your night time sleep is not good.The main thing to do is to stay away from the following at least 3 hours before bed.Caffeine,coke,pepsi,alcohol,exercise.At first you may find yourself with insomnia probably because the caffeine has to get out of your system.Caffeine pills are worse.It will take a good month before you can readjust your sleep cycle.Do however go to sleep and wake up the same time each day no matter how sleep you may be.If you find yourself sleep during the day,take a l5 minute cat nap even if you just rest your eyes.If you are sleepy in the morning you can try tea or coffee,but limit it to at least 2 cups a day.If after a month all else fails,I would suggest you get evaluated at a sleep center to check for possible sleep disorders.Since you say you fell asleep at the wheel once.o the website,sleepnet.com and click on narcolepsy and read its symptoms,should you feel you have them,then i would just get the sleep evaluation.Also if you are taking any prescribed meds alert your md as many meds have sleepiness as a side effect and adjusting the dosage may be all that is needed.If you find yourself still very sleep,before you can get to a sleep center,if at all possible take up to 3 naps a day,but try and schedule them the same time each day and no more than l5-20minutes.Dont nap after 3pm as this will screw up your nightime sleep. Hope some of this helps,Good luck,feel free to email again.Stay safe,karel
