"Nap attacs"

Posted by eyja @eyja, Jan 8, 2023

Has any one been experiencing something I call "nap attacs"? I get this terrible sleepiness in the daytime, at first up to three time a day, now not quite as offten. There has been no way to get out of these attacs, they don´t pass, except taking a nap. I´ve had to stop the car and sleep. Fallen a sleep in the hot tub at the swimmingpool and on my tiny sofa in my office.. - several times.
I haven´t seen this discribed. It´s not the same as fatigue, it just severe sleepiness.

My son, who also has post-COVID, get something simmilar. He told me it helps him to eat something salty. I didn´t really take him seriously, but yesterday I did and I did get over it! Still don´t dare to belive there is such a simple solution.. But I hope.

Would love to hear if anyone has been experiencing this.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Post-COVID Recovery & COVID-19 Support Group.

Hello,
Yes, I had this. I would have to sleep immediately, often for two to three hours. This has now passed. I have done many things for long Covid ranging from supplements recommended by long Covid doctor to acupuncture. The acupuncture has been the most impactful for me. The supplements have certainly helped as well. I feel like 2022 was a year of sleep for me. I’m 13 months post infection and much better but not back to my pre-infection baseline. Wishing you improved health.

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Have you ever heard of the condition called Narcolepsy?You and the others might want to check it out. It could have been triggered by Covid but it’s a well known condition for a long time. The symptoms are exactly as you describe yours to be. Good luck. @becky1024

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When I had some blood tests done during my long Covid, we discovered that my sodium levels were low. Having them fall too low can be dangerous to your health. I have heard of this happening to other people as well. My doctor had me drinking chicken broth and adding salt & a few salty foods to my diet. Also suggested I keep track of how much water I was drinking and not "over-hydrate." You might want to have your sodium levels checked if you haven't done so already.

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I’ve had long Covid for 13 months. For many months I would nap for 4 hours everyday. I’m finally down to a 1 hour nap or none at all. Physical therapy has helped, as well as trying to eat a small meal every 3-4 hours. It’s helpful to stay off the computer and not reading. If I have the TV on in the evening, I get up and do something simple every hour. Hope it helps.

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I have this same issue and have never attributed it to COVID! I'll have to monitor how many times a day, at what times, and how long I have slept. Will post later!

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This is so helpful to me. I get these narcolepsy-like attacks. Usually in the afternoon or evening. Just cannot keep my eyes open. Luckily I work from home so I can crash out when I need to. Sometimes sleep 10mins, other times 1hour. I have also craved salty foods all the way through from day of infection. Very weird for me. I find that a regular routine of night sleeping keeps the naps shorter, and so take a herbal sleep potion to help regulate this. Also eating a lot of highly nutritious food (fruit, fresh greens, salads, pulses, salmon, miso soup, chicken broth etc) and keeping water intake high helps with the salt cravings and fatigue. Muscle aches and mouth sores are worse when my sodium intake drops. Maybe our bodies are asking us for what they need.

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@stellasmama

This is so helpful to me. I get these narcolepsy-like attacks. Usually in the afternoon or evening. Just cannot keep my eyes open. Luckily I work from home so I can crash out when I need to. Sometimes sleep 10mins, other times 1hour. I have also craved salty foods all the way through from day of infection. Very weird for me. I find that a regular routine of night sleeping keeps the naps shorter, and so take a herbal sleep potion to help regulate this. Also eating a lot of highly nutritious food (fruit, fresh greens, salads, pulses, salmon, miso soup, chicken broth etc) and keeping water intake high helps with the salt cravings and fatigue. Muscle aches and mouth sores are worse when my sodium intake drops. Maybe our bodies are asking us for what they need.

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My nap attacks are starting to decrease, too.

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Had the same thing for 3-4 weeks after Covid. Mine went away after three months. Rest when you are tired, take supplements and eat right.
It will eventually get less each passing day. Good luck!

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@stellasmama

This is so helpful to me. I get these narcolepsy-like attacks. Usually in the afternoon or evening. Just cannot keep my eyes open. Luckily I work from home so I can crash out when I need to. Sometimes sleep 10mins, other times 1hour. I have also craved salty foods all the way through from day of infection. Very weird for me. I find that a regular routine of night sleeping keeps the naps shorter, and so take a herbal sleep potion to help regulate this. Also eating a lot of highly nutritious food (fruit, fresh greens, salads, pulses, salmon, miso soup, chicken broth etc) and keeping water intake high helps with the salt cravings and fatigue. Muscle aches and mouth sores are worse when my sodium intake drops. Maybe our bodies are asking us for what they need.

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Funny you should say this... There seems to be something regarding the salt (natrium) blance....

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@sunny8

My nap attacks are starting to decrease, too.

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How long did this period last for you? I´m 6 months post covid now.

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