Why Does Sleep Seem to Make Me Unwell?
I feel a bit silly bringing this up on reddit, but every time I mention it to a physician, I’m met with confusion and a simple, "That’s odd, I’m not sure." For several months now, I’ve been struggling with various health concerns, exploring numerous possibilities ranging from autoimmune disorders to genetic issues. One of my primary struggles is my inability to achieve restful sleep. The longer I remain horizontal, the more dizziness and weakness envelop me. I often awaken with my limbs feeling heavy and numb, the room swirling around me, and at times, I feel queasy. On occasion, my blood pressure has dipped to concerning levels (around 80/40), which I’ve been told is typical for someone my age (23F). This troubles me, as I was once on the higher side of the blood pressure spectrum before experiencing these troubles. Even during the day, it frequently falls below my usual range. Regardless of whether my blood pressure is acceptable, the accompanying symptoms present a significant issue. Napping is out of the question for me, and just the act of trying to relax in bed can be a challenge, despite my body's desperate need for rest. I feel utterly drained. After these unsettling episodes wake me, I often find myself stumbling around my space like I’ve had too much to drink. If I don’t force myself to get up and move, the situation worsens, resulting in regret later on. I’ve taken some serious spills in the process. I have been prescribed various sleep aids, but they seem to exacerbate my problems instead of alleviating them. I only feel decent the next day if I scarcely manage any sleep at all; otherwise, it’s akin to wading through quicksand. I worry about being brushed off as merely anxious in person; however, online, I will admit that my fear of feeling so weak adds to my sleeping troubles, and sometimes my mind fights to keep me awake. The type of frailty I'm experiencing reminds me of an experience I had during a severe case of pneumonia in childhood. I have undergone testing for orthostatic hypotension twice and was told everything is normal. I have appointments with both a neurologist and a cardiologist next week for other related health concerns, but I feel uncertain about what to specifically ask. My greatest fear is that my struggles will be trivialized, especially since this issue has severely impacted my life. I am seriously contemplating leaving my job due to these symptoms, but it’s the sleep disturbances that are contributing most to this decision.
Answers (1)
3/22/2025, 4:20:41 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel distressed about your sleep disturbances and the accompanying symptoms you've described. Experiencing dizziness, weakness, and changes in blood pressure can significantly impact your daily life. Let’s break this down and offer specific steps you can take as you prepare for your upcoming medical appointments.
Main Points
- Your symptoms—dizziness, weakness, sleep disturbances, and blood pressure fluctuations—are concerning and worth thorough investigation.
- There may be underlying factors contributing to your experience, such as sleep disorders, orthostatic hypotension, or even anxiety.
- It’s crucial to go into your appointments with specific questions and considerations.
Explanation
The sensations you're describing after sleep—such as dizziness and heavy limbs—can arise from various factors. It’s possible that your body is not feeling well-rested due to poor sleep quality, which might be influenced by anxiety, sleep disorders, or even physiological changes like blood pressure drops when lying down (orthostatic hypotension).
The fact that you feel better after less sleep suggests that the quality of your sleep may be compromised, rather than the quantity. Sleep aids can sometimes become counterproductive, impacting the quality of your sleep even if they help you fall asleep initially.
Next Steps
-
Keep a Symptom Diary: Document when your symptoms occur, how long they last, and any activities or conditions that seem to improve or worsen them. This will provide valuable information for both your neurologist and cardiologist.
-
List Your Current Symptoms: Clearly articulate your symptoms, including:
- When they occur (e.g., after sleeping, during the day)
- How they feel (e.g., dizziness, weakness)
- Any triggers or patterns you notice
-
Prepare Specific Questions for Your Doctors:
- What could be causing my sleep disturbances?
- Are there any specific tests I should undergo to investigate my dizziness and blood pressure issues further?
- Could my symptoms possibly relate to anxiety or a neurological condition?
-
Discuss Sleep Hygiene: Even if you're unable to nap, consider establishing a relaxing pre-sleep routine. This could include light stretching, a warm bath, or avoiding screens before bed to help signal to your body that it’s time to wind down.
-
Hydration and Nutrition: Monitor your fluid intake, particularly avoiding excessive caffeine and alcohol, which could contribute to dehydration and impact blood pressure. Eating small, balanced meals throughout the day may also help maintain energy levels and stabilize your blood pressure.
-
Communicate Your Fears Openly: It’s important to communicate your concerns about being dismissed and the impact these symptoms are having on your life. A healthcare professional who understands your experience can provide more personalized support.
Support Yourself
Feeling isolated in your journey can be frustrating. Consider reaching out to support networks, whether that’s friends, family, or online communities where others might share similar experiences. You are not alone in this.
Preparation and awareness of your own body are key. When you maintain an understanding of your symptoms and advocate for yourself, you're more likely to receive the care you need and deserve. Always remember that it’s okay to seek clarity until you feel heard and understood. If you need further assistance or have more questions, feel free to ask.
Related Questions
Seeking Guidance from India: Battling Burping Attacks During Exercise
At the age of 45, I maintain a lifestyle that involves no smoking or drinking. Employed in the IT sector, I typically have a sedentary routine and do not engage in regular physical activity. My body mass index (BMI) stands at 26, categorizing me as ‘skinny fat’—I’m not overweight, but I do possess some abdominal fat. My predominant concern arises when I attempt to exercise. Even after ensuring a three-hour interval post-meal, I frequently endure unexpected bouts of burping. These episodes are accompanied by a heavy, tight sensation in my chest, leading to breathing difficulties that provoke feelings of anxiety. Even mild exercises like cycling or performing two to three push-ups can trigger these episodes, and the discomfort persists for over an hour before finally easing. Interestingly, I do not experience heartburn or burping at any other time, only during or following physical exertion. I sought expertise from a gastroenterologist and underwent an endoscopy, which indicated mild gastritis but showed no signs of a hiatal hernia or other irregularities. Additionally, a cardiology assessment that included CT Coronary Angiography revealed no concerns, and a pulmonologist confirmed that my lung function is satisfactory. Due to my limited physical activity, my endurance is quite low. My desire to exercise and adopt a healthier lifestyle is strong, yet the sensations I feel—similar to air trapped in my chest wishing to escape—thwart my efforts. I've noticed that exercising on an empty stomach, particularly early in the morning, seems to stave off these burping issues. My professional environment is not overly demanding, which adds to my frustration. After incurring significant expenses for medical advice, I find myself at a loss with no clear indication of how to move forward. The root cause remains elusive and raises questions: Could it be linked to anxiety or stress? Even simple tasks, like playing football with my son or carrying heavy bags, can instigate these uncomfortable burping attacks, which linger for an hour or two. In this situation, I feel bewildered, disheartened, and utterly spent.
Navigating Alcohol Consumption While on Antidepressants
I am currently prescribed Escitalopram at a dosage of 10mg and Trazodone 50mg, which I take before bed for my mental health. Additionally, I use Clonazepam to help manage my anxiety. Earlier today, I joined a few friends for a social gathering where we had some drinks. I informed them that due to my medication, I usually avoid alcohol; however, I opted to have a single beer so I could participate in the festivities without feeling out of place. Now, approximately three hours later, I do not sense any lingering effects of alcohol. If there were any, they are quite subtle. My question is: Is it safe for me to take my medications in light of this?
Concerns About Potential Brain Damage at 16
To begin, I’d like to clarify that I’m currently located in Europe, where I observe that many individuals in my environment engage in more extreme behaviors than I do, even as I strive to partake in social activities without crossing the line into recklessness. My journey with alcohol commenced at the age of 14, albeit in a very mild manner. By the time I turned 15, I started drinking more regularly, making sure to space out my experiences approximately weekly to monthly, totaling around ten instances of intoxication. Notably, I noticed I had an adverse physical reaction to alcohol—specifically, skin flush the following day—which prompted me to transition to cannabis as it felt easier on my body. I limited my cannabis use to weekends while adhering to similar spacing, with one exception. At 16, I found myself smoking almost every day for a week after a particular incident, but I was able to regain control thereafter. When I was 15, I also experimented with psilocybin mushrooms on two occasions, which proved to be positive experiences and made me realize I needed to cut back on alcohol consumption. Recently, I had a successful experience with 150 micrograms of LSD after careful preparation. This evening, I intend to consume half an edible instead of resorting to drinking or smoking, aiming to increase my intervals between substances to once a month at a minimum while maintaining a healthy lifestyle as an athlete. Despite my efforts, my naturally anxious disposition makes me concerned about anything that may cause irreversible damage to my brain, including, for instance, excessive screen time. I would greatly value insights from professionals regarding these worries. For context: I’m 16 years old, assigned female at birth but have been on testosterone for seven months, standing at 5'4" and weighing 125 pounds.
Concerns about HSV Transmission During Nasal Suctioning for My Baby
Recently, I experienced my first cold sore at the age of 29, appearing at the edge of my lower lip. With a three-month-old infant, I have been particularly cautious, believing that the herpes simplex virus (HSV) is transmitted solely through direct contact. I made sure to avoid kissing my baby and kept my distance. On her three-month birthday, she woke in the early morning with significant nasal congestion. Feeling exhausted, I instinctively reached for the Frida nasal suction, my usual go-to in such situations. While using the device, I made sure my cold sore was not in contact with it. Typically, I only use the suction in her nostrils, afterward blowing air onto my hand to check for any mucus and then continuing the process. However, as I performed this task, I began to question whether I was potentially spreading the virus; my research revealed that HSV can indeed be transmitted through saliva. Although most of my usage was suctioning, I realized I had occasionally blown into the tube to assess its effectiveness before resuming suction. Naturally, I'm feeling anxious and regretful for not thoroughly considering the risks involved. Additionally, I learned that my illness may have contributed to my cold sore, and now I suspect my baby may also be coming down with something—her first cold has me quite worried. I took precautions by wearing a mask, and throughout the week, she seemed unaffected. Being a breastfeeding mother, I hope she has received ample antibodies to help her. I would greatly appreciate any insights on whether I need to be alarmed or if there are specific signs I should monitor. Thank you for your assistance!
Dismissed as a Patient After 26 Years
For the past 26 years, I’ve been a patient at the same medical office, practically since the moment I entered this world (or rather, since I began my existence). Admittedly, I did transition from a pediatrician to a general practitioner when I turned 18, but I’ve mainly seen the same doctors throughout my life, including a general physician and a sports medicine specialist. During this extensive period, I have only missed a couple of appointments—perhaps just two in total—which seems quite reasonable considering I’ve had numerous check-ups and consultations due to various health issues, largely stemming from accidents and injuries. It’s not uncommon for someone like me, who tends to be accident-prone, to have over a hundred visits in nearly three decades. However, I recently discovered that I’ve reportedly missed three appointments in the span of six months. This unexpected revelation is frustrating, as those missed appointments occurred while I was recovering from orthopedic surgery following a significant work-related accident—I tumbled two stories off a ladder, highlighting my tendency for mishaps. The appointments I failed to attend were routine check-ups with my general practitioner, my sports medicine doctor, and a blood test. Unfortunately, they all coincidentally fell around the same period just after my surgery. I learned about the need for the surgery only a few weeks ahead of these scheduled appointments, and post-surgery, mobility was a challenge. I had asked my husband to cancel them on my behalf, but he neglected to do so—an oversight we share. While I take some responsibility for not ensuring the calls were made, I was heavily medicated with prescribed pain relief at the time. Despite my generally good attendance record, this series of missed appointments led to my dismissal as a patient. Today, when I contacted the office to request a refill for a chronic medication unrelated to the surgery, I was informed that I can no longer receive care there, as I was discharged as a patient back in early January. This came as a shock, especially since they had filled a different prescription for me just weeks ago without any issues. It raises the question: how can they discharge me and then assist with a prescription shortly before? I’ve been on the same medication for over seven years, and I am not asking for anything out of the ordinary. If they want to sever ties after 26 years, I’m willing to find another provider, but it feels absurd to deny me vital medication after such a long-standing relationship. Is this a common practice? When I explained my situation—politely and respectfully—the response was still a firm refusal to refill my prescription. My discussions were limited to administrative personnel, leaving me at a loss about my next steps. I’ve always been a reliable patient, with the exception of these recent three appointments occurring immediately after the surgery. The urgency of my medical needs can’t be understated: I am in need of key prescriptions and follow-up care due to significant health concerns from my recent injury, numerous corticosteroid injections, and a positive result from a cancer screening test. Although statistics suggest the probability of a false positive at my age, it still necessitates thorough follow-up, especially given my family's history of this condition. For the past week, I’ve reached out daily, always with courtesy, yet I’ve received no resolution, just the run-around among various office staff. They mentioned they sent me a letter to inform me of my dismissal, yet I never received a call, email, or any subsequent communication. One single letter does not suffice to terminate a patient’s long-term relationship with their medical practice, especially when it involves critical prescriptions and post-surgery care. Is this standard protocol? I cannot stress enough that I am not embellishing my situation. With an almost flawless attendance record and a recent misstep due to surgical recovery, being abruptly cut off feels excessive. I truly appreciate my general practitioner, need my medication, and face a myriad of concerns—from continuity of care to other pressing health issues—which makes this entire experience deeply troubling and perplexing.