A 34-Hour Sleep Spell
Last Saturday, my daughter was struck down by Flu B. The initial three days were extremely tough for her. Although the rest of the week saw her battling a persistent cough and a sore throat, she managed to keep her spirits up. Her doctor prescribed Tamiflu along with medication to ease her cough. To help with her discomfort, I've been administering Ibuprofen and Tylenol since she has Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), in addition to Mucinex to aid her recovery. On Friday night, she dozed off well before midnight and has been in slumber ever since. She briefly wakes up to use the bathroom, during which I've taken the chance to offer her some water, small bites of food, and her medications. Is this sleeping pattern typical? Should I consider waking her up? Or is it necessary to consult her doctor again? Profile details: - Age: 17 - Female - Medical Background: ADHD, Depression, EDS - Medications: Sertraline, Qelbree, Mucinex, Ibuprofen
Answers (1)
3/23/2025, 2:50:33 PM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to be concerned about your daughter's prolonged sleep after being sick with Flu B. After battling a viral illness, it’s not uncommon for teenagers to feel exceptionally tired and need more sleep as their bodies recover. Let’s address your questions clearly.
Key Points:
- Excessive Sleep After Illness: It can be normal for her to sleep a lot after flu symptoms, especially if she's recovering from an illness like the flu.
- Monitoring Symptoms: Despite the extra sleep, it's essential to monitor her for any concerning symptoms.
Explanation: After being sick, especially with a virus that affects energy levels like influenza, many individuals experience fatigue and a need for more rest. The body requires extra energy to recover and repair itself. While it’s generally okay for her to sleep a lot during recovery, continue to keep an eye on her overall condition and any signs of worsening illness.
Next Steps:
- Monitor: Continue to observe her for any significant changes in her condition. Check for symptoms such as difficulty breathing, persistent high fever, confusion, or other unusual behaviors that differ from what you’ve been observing.
- Hydration and Nutrition: Ensure she remains hydrated and takes in small amounts of nutritious food when she is awake, as you have been doing.
- Check Temperature: If she hasn't had a fever in the last 24 hours and is stable, it’s likely a good sign. If her fever returns or persists, that’s when you should consider contacting a healthcare provider.
- Consider Waking Her: It’s generally not necessary to wake her up unless she has been asleep for extended periods (like over 12 to 16 hours straight) without waking for food or fluids. If you feel uneasy, a gentle nudge to ensure she’s okay is perfectly fine.
- Consult a Doctor if Concerns Persist: If her sleeping pattern continues without improvement in her overall state or if you notice symptoms that concern you, reach out to her healthcare provider for additional guidance.
Stay supportive and encouraging; remind her that it's okay to rest and recover. If you have any specific worries or notice changes, seeking medical advice is always wise.
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