Question
Hi. Thanks for getting back to me. I've had a blood test about almost a year ago, and everything seemed to be fine. I have blanked out for a second when driving or at work, but only for a second. Somtimes I'll need to hear a noise to get be back out of that. Before that moment though, I'm usually pretty drowzy, and it just escalates from there. It seems to happen around the time I'm gonna get my period. But it's happened at other times as well. This doesn't happen real often, unless I don't get enough sleep the day before or something. But it does happen at those times I told you even when I do get enough sleep. Any other feed back again I'd greatly appreciate.
Thanks,
Kate
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Followup To
Question -
Hello. I'm a 37 year old, phyically fit, attractive female. My problem is, ever since I was a young kid, I have had problems getting up in the early morning. Even if I get plenty of sleep, I have a hard time getting up. Sometimes it almost feels like I'm paralyzed or something. Even when I get up for a bit, I need to lay down again for a little while. I feel like I have no strength or something. Once in a while I can get up in the early morning, and feel OK, but not that often. I've been threatened to lose my job for coming in late. I'm usually only like 10-15 minutes late, but still. I should be on time. Is there anything you can suggest to help me with this situation? I'd appreciate any feed back.
Thanks so much,
Kate
Answer -
Do you find yourself falling asleep at inappropriate times, for example driving ,in the middle of a sentence, during a lecture,watching tv.Also do you find if you show emotion or run, laugh, your body will buckle under or jaw sag for a second.If you answered yes to these questions,you may have narcolepsy.I would suggest you first of all get a complete physical ,blood work up etc,to rule out anemia.Also if you take any prescription meds that may be a side effect so ask your physician,If it persists seek a sleep center.However go to sleepnet.com and click on narcolepsy to read a more detailed description of the illness.Feel free to email again.good luck,karel and happy new year.
Answer
Well i would get a complete blood work up again,as blood values change from minute to minute.if they are fine.I would suggest you contact a sleep center for an overnight sleep study to rule out sleep disorders.You can find a center at that website.sleepnet.com and also at that website read about narcolepsy and its symptoms.From what you are telling me it sounds like you may have it,but one needs a sleep specialist and the test for the diagnosis.However getting sleep around your menstral period is very common and more so if you are around the perimenopausal ages 38 on up.Im 48 and in perimenopause and i notice with my periods my sleep is so disrupted and im more exhausted.That is common with menopause,however your problems seem to be beyond that and all i can suggest is get the blood workup alert your physician perhaps he knows of a sleep center in your area.Bring copies of the reports to the sleep center so they dont have to repeat any of it which would save you time and money.Good luck,karel
