Strange sleep experience!

[shameless_stud]

Hi everyone,

Been a while since I posted, hope you are all well.

I just wanted someone to speak to about my strange sleep pattern last night. I went to bed about 1am and I didn't wake up until 8pm at night - 3 hours ago!!! That's about 21 hours sleep, what the hell has gone wrong here??? I've never slept for that long before.

I have a 1cm AN in my left side, I wasn't under the influence of drugs or alcohol and I didn't feel unwell or anything to warrant such a long sleep. Am I over-reacting here is is this to do with my AN do you think? I'm scared, very scared!


Thanks for your help.
Mark, 24

[DR]

I haven't heard of any odd increases in sleep, but maybe another more experienced member can shed some light.  I wouldn't be too concerned, unless it becomes the norm for you.

BTW, your forum name is the funniest I have seen so far!

[CHD63]

Mark .....

Good to hear from you again.  My first reaction to your post was, "Boy, he must have been really sleep deprived!"  Second reaction was, "I wish I could sleep that long without getting up to go to the bathroom!"     Third reaction was, "I hope he did not sleep through going to work ....."

I am not a doctor and do not know your medical history, but I would find it very unusual for this to be related to your AN.  However, I would certainly mention it to my doctor if I were you ..... especially if you have any other health issues that could be involved.

Sweet dreams .....

Clarice

[wendysig]

Mark,

I have to say I've never heard of sleeping in excess to be a symptom of ANs either.  I hope you've been able to contact your doc, if not, keep trying.  And breathe.  You will be okay.  Please keep us posted on what is going on with you,

Best wishes,
Wendy

[Palace]

Mark,


I have to say, "That is a very interesting thread!"

I've had the oppostive problem because, I have the AN tumor.  (sleep deprived)

Your sleeping that long prompts me to ask that you post which nerves your AN is touching.  What are your current symptoms?

Last night rather than take sleeping meds, or allergy pills, I read for a long while which put me to sleep for seven hours, straight.

Did you happen to study for an extended duration or over-use your eyes?  (not that it would induce such a deep REM sleep)

Yes, I'd contact my AN team right away and maybe a "sleep clinic."  Do let a professional know about this odd occurance.

What is your normal sleeping habit?  Please post more specifics that you are able to think of so, we AN forum people can dissect.



Thanks for sharing,



Palace

[Lilan]

I've slept that long twice in my life, and both times involved overseas travel = jet lag.

Had you missed a lot of sleep the previous week?

I do think AN/balance etc. makes you more tired. I'm definitely sleeping longer nights these days. (But like 9 hours, not 21!)

If it doesn't happen again, I wouldn't worry too much....

[opp2]

I've slept that long a couple of times, but it's because I worked very long shifts the days prior. ie 26 hour shift at work.

What I have found is that I am way more tired now than I used to be. I know I absolutely need 9 hours sleep to function at my best, and I need to drink tons of water else I suffer headaches/wonky head all day long.

I am just recently discovering this last part. With an increase in water intake (we're talking 2-3 litres a day more) that I feel 100% better. Add the extra sleep...and well .....I feel good

[moe]

Strange sleep habit, indeed. Doesn't seem like an AN issue but check with your doctor.
Do you work? Are you a student?
Maybe just way too much over stimulation without realizing it...
Let us now how much sleep you get tonight (may end up being an insomniac!)
Maureen

[LisaP]

Hi,


I have the opposite problem, I am sleep deprived.  Since my AN dx of March of 08, I very rarely sleep all night, waking up at least 2 to 3x's per night.  But I am also going thru Menopause, which is a fun thing that all of us women get to experience.  So I think my lack of sleep is due to my AN, stress and menopause.  Try to figure out what happened before you went to bed, where you extremely tired?  ect.....   

LisaP

[wendysig]

I have to agree with Lisa.  I was so stressed I didn't sleep much either.  The first month or so I  constantly felt like I always had an adrenalin rush.  Maybe you're having the opposite reaction.  It's certainly food for though.  Let us know what your doc says.

Wendy

[Tricia (horsekayak)]

This is one of those issues that point out how different all of us AN-ers are (in relation to our ANs, and other things too!)

I noticed extra sleeping time long before i was diagnosed, but I have dealt with depression for most of my adult life, so i just wrote it off as using sleep to avoid issues --a favorite diversionary tactic of mine.  I do believe that my increasing need for lots of sleep over the year prior to diagnosis (i usually need 9-11 hours ) is a combination of body reaction to AN and my depression. 

I decided for myself to ask for a very low dose antidepressant, and have noted a marked improvement in my sleep quality.  I must add that I have also made extra effort to talk about this AN with friends, doctor, family etc. (much more so than I usually talk about such personal things).   The talking and sharing plus the mild sedative plus regular exercise helps a lot.  Thank goodness for friends who have horses (who always need stalls cleaned, horses exercised, etc.)

Definitely mention the sleep issue to your doc.  Talk about it with friends, etc.  It is miserable to be sleep-deprived, and it is miserable to sleep all the  time....another little challenge AN folks have to deal with.   And, it is not a sign of weakness to examine your feelings and see if there is any depression (or hidden anger) about the AN, etc.

 Lots of great observations about this in earlier posts , of course!!!

[leapyrtwins]

Stud -

are you depressed?  If not, I'd recommend consulting with your doctor.

Clarice -

had a good laugh @ your response.  Your reaction #1, #2, and #3 apply to me also 

Jan

[Patti UT]

Sounds pretty weird,  but boy what I'd do for 21 hours of uninteruppted sleep.............. maybe I'd finally feel a little csught up since the darn AN experience has caused me major sleep deprivation.  I too question if perhaps you had not been getting enought sleep for many nights in a row and maybe your body just needed the rest?? I'd def consult your doc

patti ut

[4cm in Pacific Northwest]

Mark,

This is not typical AN tumor stuff. You are 1 cm so I cannot imagine the brain stem to be too pushed over (mine was 4cm so my brain stem was way over - pushed into an "s")

The brain stem controls your sleep...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brainstem

I have read lots on the forum about insomnia but not much about such a long duration for sleep as 21 hours.

" hypersomnia?"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypersomnia

I suggest you start charting both your sleep pattern and energy levels...

When you next see the DR bring this up. If this happens again you may want to expedite an appointment ...

What I would give for 8 hours uninterrupted sleep... but still 21 consecutive hours in NOT normal nor typical AN stuff. Are you on any meds that might do this? Do you have diabetes?

DHM