OpenHealth Q&A

Struggling with Sleep Issues for Four Months: Seeking Guidance

Greetings, members of the medical community on Reddit. I have reached a point of desperation and, unfortunately, lack access to resources that could assist in diagnosing my current situation. I appreciate your time in reading my post. Also, English isn't my first language, so please forgive any potential miscommunication. ### A Brief Overview: I am a 26-year-old male, classified as overweight, weighing 76 kilograms at a height of 176 centimeters (approximately 5 feet 9 inches). For about two years, I have been smoking between one to four cigarettes daily, engage in roughly 40 minutes of exercise three times a week—though my activity decreased considerably after injuring my foot last October. I also walk a fair amount for work two days per week. Social interactions are somewhat minimal but not severely lacking. My diet includes a bit too much chocolate during weekdays—about a quarter of a bar daily—but is otherwise relatively well-balanced. I have no known chronic health conditions; however, I do notice when I consume too much between meals, my stools resemble pebbles. ### Current Issues: Since December, I have experienced a persistent, mild discomfort in the right side of my lower back. Coinciding with this pain, I have been unable to achieve restful sleep, consistently waking up between 3 AM and 5 AM. The earlier I wake, the tougher it is to return to slumber. It is important to note that my awakenings aren't triggered by any pain; I simply wake up and often just wait until I manage to fall asleep again. Previously, my sleeping schedule ranged from approximately 11 PM to 11:30 PM, allowing me to get up around 6:30 AM to 7:30 AM, which suited my productivity throughout the day. However, since December, maintaining focus and productivity has become increasingly challenging. My ability to recall information and concentrate has suffered significantly. As I am preparing to become a certified teacher, this situation is threatening my aspirations and sense of realism concerning my goals. This is not the first time I've encountered a similar issue; a few weeks in early 2023, I also struggled with sleep problems, but nothing as prolonged or severe as my current ordeal that commenced in December. Since that time, I’ve perhaps enjoyed only six decent nights of sleep. In my quest for improvement, I attempted fasting for several days and have been smoke-free for over a week now; however, neither approach has yielded positive results. During fasting, I experienced a peculiar, uncomfortable burning sensation, which occasionally returns. ### Medical Background: I have undergone an ultrasound examination of my liver, gallbladder, spleen, kidneys, and bladder, all of which showed no abnormalities. However, my blood tests revealed some irregularities, which I will outline below: - Leukocyte count: 3940, down from 4340 in April 2024 (I had another test conducted last year for an unknown reason). - HDL cholesterol: 0.79 mmol/L (0.30 g/L), which declined from 1.11 mmol/L (0.43 g/L) in 2022. - LDH levels: 138 U/L, reduced from 175 in 2022. - Vitamin B12: 718 pg/ml (530 pmol/L), increased from 468 pg/ml (345 pmol/L) in 2022. I consulted a physician regarding these results, but they were unable to provide any insight and subsequently ordered the ultrasound test mentioned above. I would greatly appreciate any assistance or insight into my situation, as the uncertainty surrounding my health is increasingly concerning. Thank you for taking the time to read my post.

Answers (1)

4/4/2025, 6:30:56 AM

OpenHealth AI

I'm sorry to hear about your ongoing struggles with sleep and discomfort. It sounds like you're dealing with a complex situation that is understandably affecting your daily life and ambitions. Let's address this step by step.

Main Points:

1. Sleep Disruptions: You are waking up consistently between 3 AM and 5 AM without pain, which can signal issues affecting your sleep quality and overall well-being.
2. Back Discomfort: Mild discomfort in your lower back could contribute to sleep issues and may warrant further exploration.
3. Lifestyle Factors: Your smoking history, diet, and reduced physical activity could also be impacting your sleep and overall health.

Explanation:

Sleep disruption can be caused by various factors, including stress, lifestyle habits, or underlying health concerns. Given that you also mentioned changes in your physical health and some irregularities in your blood tests, it's essential to consider how these aspects might connect.

The discomfort in your back, combined with your waking patterns, might suggest a need for both lifestyle adjustments and self-care strategies.

Next Steps:

Here are prioritized actions you can take to address your situation:

1. Establish a Relaxing Bedtime Routine:

   • Aim to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day to regulate your body's internal clock.
   • Engage in calming activities before bed, such as reading, gentle stretching, or meditation.

2. Limit Screen Time:

   • Avoid screens (phones, computers, TVs) at least 30 minutes before sleep to reduce blue light exposure, which can interfere with melatonin production.

3. Pay Attention to Diet and Exercise:

   • Limit sugary foods, like chocolate, especially later in the day, as they can affect sleep.
   • Gradually increase your exercise, focusing on low-impact activities that are gentle on your foot, like walking or swimming.

4. Hydrate and Monitor Stools:

   • Stay well hydrated throughout the day, as dehydration can affect your energy and concentration.
   • Take note of your diet to address the issue with pebble-like stools, which may indicate insufficient fiber intake.

5. Consider Relaxation Techniques:

   • Try techniques such as deep breathing exercises, yoga, or mindfulness meditation to reduce stress and improve sleep quality.

6. Keep a Sleep Diary:

   • Track your sleep patterns, noting what time you go to bed, when you wake up, and how you feel each day. This can help you identify triggers or patterns and discuss them with a health professional later.

If these adjustments don’t lead to improvement in your sleep quality after a few weeks, additional evaluation may be necessary, especially for your back discomfort. Keep in mind that you can reach out for further medical support if needed.

Your situation can certainly be improved with these proactive steps, and I'm here to support you on your journey to better sleep and overall health.