Sleep Disorder

[Anonymous]

I have been diagnosed with a sleep disorder -- have been through two rounds of sleep studies. My sleep latency (amount of time it takes me to fall asleep) is consistently less than 4 minutes, which is a sign of sleep disorder. I do not have narcolepsy (although there was some concern about this). There are no environmental factors for this (i.e., not raising a newborn or a child that's up frequently, don't do shift work, get reasonable sleep each night, etc.). I don't have apnea nor any other organic issues. I'd love to talk online with others who have this or to find a support group. It's extremely tough -- I'm chronically tired and although I've never fallen asleep while driving, docs urge strong caution (so I'm not very comfortable driving more than 15-20 minutes, for example). I know that many people suffer sleep deprivation -- this is not exactly that. I could sleep 10 hours a night and still have this problem (I have done so in the past so I know this to be the case). I have a reasonably high profile/high demand position and that's also stressful, since I feel quite tired all the time and am noticing more and more that my work is sometimes sloppy (not able to proofread as carefully, etc.). Again, if anyone knows of a support group or can share experiences or tips online, I'd be grateful. I've been on prescription stimulants but am currently off of those because of irritability. TIA.

[Anonymous]

This may seem a bit far off, but I have a gluten sensitivity (not Celiac) that caused me to be EXTREMELY fatigued all the time. I used to have little "tricks" I used to keep me awake while driving. It was horrible. Being so tired every second of the day makes life miserable. Once I went gluten free my energy level skyrocketed. I don't know if this will help you, but I am sending good thoughts your way.

[Anonymous]

OP, you sound a lot like me. My MSLT was borderline for narcolepsy (although I tend not to sleep well with electrodes on my head ) and I don't have sleep apnea either. Based on my symptoms and score on the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, I am treated as though I do have narcolepsy. I did have a few events that are typical of narcolepsy. I would feel intent tired and not be able to keep myself from falling asleep - I would have extremely vivid dreams with these episodes, it was weird because I knew on some level I was dreaming, but I couldn't wake myself up. They always happened when I was really run down and not getting enough sleep.
Medication makes a HUGE difference for me. I take Nuvigil and don't function effectively without it. No medication = me literally falling asleep at my desk (despite multiple cups of coffee).

[Anonymous]

Op I sound exactly like you too! They diagnosed me with narcolespy but i was very slight
I was on provigil until I got pregnant, then I never went back on the meds.
Can any of you recommend your doc?
Op, maybe try taking your meds every other day? Mine did make me irritable too but I think I eventually adjusted to it
Without my meds my life is pretty lame, I am in bed by 8:30 every night so you can imagine what that does to my marriage