7 replies to this topic

[metabrain]

I have Bipolar 2 about 15 years now, diagnosed in 2010.

 

I have this weird issue, I go to bed on time, no problem sleeping, get 7-8 hours sleep but come afternoon I get extremely tired, it happens around 1:00 sometimes a little later around 3:00

It's so bad I cannot work. I will literally get so tired I have to go to sleep and I sleep about 4 hours.

 

I have checked my thyroid, blood test for vitamin deficiency, blood pressure. I am of normal weight and recorded my self sleeping to rule out sleep apnea or sleep disturbances.

 

Most doctors say it's just depression but it happens even when I am in a good mood.

 

Could it be something else?

 

 

[crazepharmacist]

Male? Did you get a hormone panel? Check total testosterone, free testosterone, prolactin. estradiol(sensitive assay for males), SHGB, maybe DHT, growth hormone, and IGF1 as well. Be sure to check ranges. Some doctors will see a testosterone level of 351(350-1100) and tell you you're fine.

[metabrain]

Okay, if they all check out fine what could be next?

[blood]

Poor iron status can definitely be a cause of fatigue.

Might be worth getting a check on ferritin, transferrin saturation, etc.

[metabrain]

I have gotten a check on my blood recently, it didn't show anything unusual. It was a standard blood test so I imagine it would also test for iron? It's strange I am always tired around 1:00 and I will often sleep until 4 or 5 and then wake up refreshed.

[Gerrans]

If you cannot beat this, it might be worth joining it--as the Spanish do. If your work allows it, you could take a siesta and cut down your night sleep, so that effectively you sleep twice a day. There is a school of thought that this is natural, because we evolved in a hot place where little could be done while the sun was at its highest. The early afternoon slump is notorious.

Edited by Gerrans, 30 July 2014 - 11:33 AM.

[crazepharmacist]

Well if you can't beat it I guess you could always try Modafinil. It would be nice to see your entire blood work wih ranges though.

[metabrain]

Unfortunately my doctors won't prescribe anything like that. They really don't care in all honesty, to them it's all in my head, I have had this issue since I was in my teens.