Dr. Gott: Is stress to blame for sleeplessness?

DEAR DR. GOTT: In early March 2010, my husband broke his ankle in three places and shattered his heel. Despite the fact that he is now mobile and has passed through the worst part of recovery, he struggles with horrid sleep problems. Each night, he falls asleep almost immediately but is awake about two hours later and cannot fall back to sleep. Needless to say, this lack of sleep is taking its toll on him, as during the day he is completely drained. We have consulted our family physician, who has tried unsuccessfully prescribing various sleep medications. We have also tried melatonin, lavender, chamomile and more. You name it, he has tried it, to no avail. Is there anything else he can do at this point?

I also have had sleeping problems since his foot injury, but medication is working for me. We were both very much stressed after his injury because he was nonweight-bearing for three months and ran the risk of actually losing his foot due to the severity of the injury. Thank you for any help you can provide.

DEAR READER: Given that your husband's sleeping difficulties followed a serious injury, it is likely the two are related. Stress could certainly be to blame, including post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but certain medications can also cause unwanted sleep disturbances. Because you don't provide a list of what medications he is taking (likely an antibiotic and/or pain relievers), I cannot determine whether this is a possibility.

Because he has unsuccessfully tried so many prescription and home remedies, there is little left to recommend. I suggest that he review his medications with his physician to determine if one or more may contribute to the problem. Beyond that, he should learn some relaxation and stress-dealing techniques. Meditation, yoga, tai chi, deep breathing and more are all beneficial to calming both mind and body. In addition, yoga and tai chi are gentle exercises that may reduce his pain levels and allow him to regain some of the leg strength he lost during his injury and recovery. He may also benefit from counseling with someone who can help him deal with aspects of the trauma and recovery that may still be bothering him.

DEAR DR. GOTT: I am so glad you have your column online, but your "search" function is worthless. I was looking for "restless legs syndrome" and got an article about menopause, so I tried leg cramps. Again, a totally unrelated article. I also searched "ingrown toenail" and got the correct article, but the bottom of it was cut off.

Low Energy Levels: Getting Enough Sleep?

Have you been feeling lethargic regardless of no obvious wellness complications? Do you get up tired in the morning after a full night’s sleep and really feel unable to carry out with everyday activities because of fatigue? You will find chances that these low energy levels are pointing towards 1 or several complications that may be causing them.

What Causes Low Energy Levels?

Numerous factors could possibly be responsible for your tiredness and overall low levels of energy. These consist of tension, lack of sleep or improper sleeping habits, lack of physical activity, poor diet plan habits, medical conditions and illnesses, and hormone imbalance

How to Enhance Your Energy Level?

First of all, pinpoint what precisely could possibly be the reason for your low energy level. Speak to your physician about it. When you know the cause, it’s significantly easier to target it for improvement.

• Try to minimize the level of tension inside your life as it can hamper not merely your spirits but also your general sense of well being.

• Low energy levels have a direct link with the quantity and top quality of sleep. Be sure you’re acquiring sufficient sleep. Also see if your sleeping and waking times fluctuate an excessive amount of and too generally. Having no set schedule for sleeping may not send your brain the necessary signals at the right time, resulting in lack of sleep. In the event you suffer from sleep deprivation or insomnia, try a night time dietary supplement. Insomnia Cures are varied so try and find a Sleeping Pills containing melatonin and 5htp which has shown excellent success.

• Include some healthy activity into your daily routine. You do not necessarily have to go to the gym, you could speak a walk in the nature or take up a sport or even play along with your youngsters in the park. A sedentary life style with less or no physical activity is generally a harbinger of low energy levels.

• Make positive you consist of all needed nutrition into your day to day diet plan. Steer clear of an excessive amount of quick food, soft drinks and coffee. In no way skip meals, specifically breakfast.

• Get in touch along with your medical consultant to check for any medical illnesses. Particular disorders like hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, diabetes etc may be the underlying cause in case you are consistently feeling tired without having apparent reasons. Vitamin and iron deficiencies could cause low energy too, specifically in ladies.

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