I can't seem to wake up

[Still_dreaming]

Hello, all. I seem to have a problem that isn't directly addressed by any of the current topics and I kind of wanted to see what information I could get.

I sleep. A lot. For 12 hours at a time, even. And when I wake up, I'm never refreshed. Caffeine doesn't seem to wake me up; I can fall asleep after drinking three cups of coffee. No one notices a change in my behavior on the mornings when I drink three shots of espresso and the mornings when I don't. Sleeping disorders run in my family: Both parents have sleep apnea and my twin has narcolepsy (with catalepsy). I fall asleep in class against my will and most afternoons I'll take a nap (which never wakes me up). Most days I'll get 8-9 hours of sleep and still be tired in the morning. I'm scheduled for an overnight sleep study soon, I'm just wondering what anyone can suggest to help me get a more restful sleep? I turn off my computer at least 15 minutes before I go to bed, I have a ritual before I climb into bed, my bedroom has lavender scented packets, what else can I do?

[nonsum]

i totally feel ya. i'm so lethargic. i sleep 10 - 12 hours a night and take a nap most days and am still tired. i make sure my room is as dark as possible. no alarm clock facing me or anything. thats the only suggestion i've got.

[Mayteana]

Considering your family history - the best thing you can be doing... is getting that sleep study.

~ May

[purplebunny]

Sounds like you could be looking at EDS (Excessive Daytime Sleepiness), a form of Narcolepsy. I take Provigil 200mg a day for it, although I am unsure how well it's working. I tried Adderall, but it knocked me out (maybe cause I have ADHD, too?). I don't want to be officially diagnosed, as you can lose your license to drive. I did a sleep apnea overnight and don't have that, sounds like a good thing for you to at least rule out. I have the added fun of being half an insomniac at night these days. Although, the two aren't related, as I had EDS way before I became such a freaking night owl. I just say be careful of driving at peak sleepy times for you and don't fight it. If meds won't help, just nap when you have to nap and roll with it. The hard part is work/life and people just thinking you are lazy. Even close friends who I have EXPLAINED this to, need me to repeatedly say to them "it's not that, it's the NARCOLEPSY". It IS a neurological disorder! Hope you find something that works for you.

[Kodos]

Maybe a couple of things going on

Not getting restful sleep. This could be depression. Ever feel like all you need is a nap to feel better, then you take that nap, and when you get up you don't feel any better. Depression.

Falling asleep against your will - you say your twin has narcolepsy? Would that be an identical twin or a fraternal twin? And sleeping disorders run in your family. Narcolepsy has a strong genetic component, with genes that determine "tissue type" for the immune system - the HLA genes. E.g., these genes are what are studied for organ transplants and bone marrow transplants. Specifically, HLA-DQB1*0602 is strongly associated; then there are 9 others that interact with it. So if you're an identical twin . . . you have the genes for it. This could explain 100% of your problem - no depression needed.

Otherwise, here are some things you can do to promote restful sleep

1. Exercise - sometime during the day - every day (if possible -otherwise at least 3 days/week) - even if it's 20 minutes on a treadmill; exercise promotes wakefulness. Do not exercise in the evening.
2. No caffeine after 6PM
3. No alcohol in the 4-6 hours before you go to bed. Alcohol initially helps initiate sleep . . . but 4 hours later it wakes you up.
4. Turn your computer off 1 hour before you go to bed. Too stimulating.
5. Darkness - as completely black as possible
6. Don't take naps. A tough one. But naps affect your sleep at night. If you feel sleepy and really want a nap . . . get up and walk around. Exercise. Try toughing it out 1 day.
7. If you're falling asleep in class - get up and stand in the back of the room. That said, I have nearly perfected the ability to fall asleep while sitting upright. ;-)

Good luck.