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Frequent, sudden falling asleep
My wife falls asleep while sitting down. She falls asleep in the middle of biting on a sandwich or sipping from a cup, even mid sentence. Recently she has been very close to falling asleep while standing. She becomes combative when I tell her she needs help. Does anyone have a similar experience? What is this condition? Is there a resolution?
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Narcolepsy
Treatable
Must see doctor for diagnosis.
Possibly caused by a number of things.
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3 ReactionsI would suggest a Sleep Study Test.
I just had the Sleep Study Test.
1st - at home
2nd - Hospital in person
Found that I stop breathing 13 time a hour and my oxygen level drops to 77% (not good) while on sleep machine. While I'm awake, oxygen level is 93 to 98%. I also snore.
I have had headaches for a long time and migraine for the last 6 years. I wake up 3 to 4 times a night. I'm exhausted when I get out of bed.
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2 ReactionsThanks for the reply. She sleeps just fine in bed, no breathing problems at all. Its in an easy chair, often with food and/or drink in her hand(s), she simply passes out and drops everything on the floor.
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2 Reactions@pjw5610 Hypotension is a possibility, or perhaps bradycardia. She should be assessed formally by a cardiologist.
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2 ReactionsGood input, thanks.
Sounds like narcolepsy. She should be seen by a doctor as soon as possible. It’s a dangerous condition, with the possibility of severe injuries.
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1 ReactionI am so grateful for the support. I will do my best to convince her to see my cardiologist. She is a retired RN and self diagnoses to my annoyance@mbixler
@pjw5610 My aunt used to do that, but it was from exhaustion. What is your wife's age? It could be narcolepsy as was already stated above. I would be fearful of her falling asleep while driving. Keep us posted. I am sorry she gets angry with you. Is she unaware that it is happening?
@pjw5610 I’m also a retired RN, so I feel your pain! We do make the worst patients. Many of my specialists get annoyed with me, as I start the visit by telling them what is wrong with me. They get annoyed because I am usually right! Tell her as a nurse that it’s okay to make a diagnosis, but we always need to verify. It’s embarrassing when you don’t, and then have to go the doctor waaay past when you should have. Doctors love to rub it in that we should know better!
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1 ReactionThanks for the reply. She is 82. She is aware of the recurring super-naps. It's not unusual for her to be awake most of the night. This can't be good for her heart, I need to find a way to convince her to get help. She denies narcolepsy @diverdown1