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SFN and periods of daytime sleepiness
I’m writing this because yesterday was one of those days where I had trouble staying awake. I’ve had variations of this problem for years, but as my SFN has progressed, and I’m home more, it is getting worse. Periodically throughout the day, it’s as if I’ve been given a sleep potion! I am so, so sleepy. Yesterday I was at home, ready to be productive, but by 2 pm I had taken 4 naps. I lie down and immediately fall asleep, usually 30 minutes to an hour. It’s impossible to fight. If I’m in my car, I take a parking lot nap.
As a person who likes to be productive and be active, this is just another way that SFN is stealing my life.
This feeling goes away by late afternoon. But my day is shot.
This is not related to medications, diet, actual tiredness, etc.
Just wondering if anyone else has experienced this.
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What is SFN?
Small fiber neuropathy.
I have small and large fiber polyneuropathy. Still not quite sure what the polyneuropathy part is but I am experiencing exactly the same symptom along with frequent weakness, balance issues and a strange kind of spaciness most days. Nothing seems to help and no apparent cause. Guess it is just part of the SFN fun package. Hope you break free of the fatigue.
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1 ReactionHow’s your nightly sleep? I assume you’ve been tested for sleep apnea. I have neuropathy and get real sleepy at times, usually after lunch. Have tried drinking coffee at points during day? I’ve found that it helps.
Only problem for me is I have PVC’s when I get caffeine at times.
Steve
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1 ReactionI have had frequent falls. My doctor suggested it could be exacerbated by the neuropathy. I was shocked as I didn't know neuropathy could affect muscles? I am newly diagnosed and surprised at diagnosis as I do not have tingling and burning in my feet. Neither am I full diabetic - but am borderline diabetic. I too have day time sleepiness, especially if I drive. My first experience with support group but find previous answers and questions so valuable. Thank you for helping me learn. I use to think doctor told you what you needed to know but I didn't even know there were different kinds of neuropathy until your comments.
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1 Reaction.......and good evening to you @audrey5449. I had the same experience. I was diagnosed with SFN (small fiber neuropathy 10 years ago. My orthopedic surgeon referred me to a neurologist. My life partner and I were in Rochester for 30 days for prostate cancer treatments and I was his caregiver. I found a "Connect" brochure on a table in the waiting area and jumped at the opportunity to learn more and be a better caregiver. Now I am the patient.
I hope you get to meet @johnbishop. He is marvelous at finding essential information about your disease or condition. He is also pre-diabetic and has been so for quite a few years. In addition, he has no pain just numbness with his SFN.
What else would you like to explore and learn about?
May you have happiness and the causes of happiness.
Chris
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1 Reaction@artscaping
Than you so much for your kind and understanding words.
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2 ReactionsHi @audrey5449, I'm happy that @artscaping tagged me. I too have been labeled with pre-diabetes or borderline diabetic and used to think it has nothing to do with my neuropathy but the past few years I've been learning a little more about what pre-diabetes and borderline diabetic means. I found out pre-diabetes more than likely means you fall into the Metabolic Syndrome which does have some connections to neurological conditions. So my thinking is that any lifestyle changes I can make improves my chances of providing some relief for my numbness symptoms from idiopathic small fiber peripheral neuropathy.
Here's some information on the Metabolic Syndrome:
--- The metabolic syndrome – What is it and how should it be managed?
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/2047487319886404
--- The Metabolic Syndrome and Neuropathy: Therapeutic Challenges and Opportunities: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3881591/
The biggest change I have made is eating healthier also using intermittent fasting along with a low carb healthy fat foods. There is another support group on Connect that you might find helpful - LCHF Living & Intermittent Fasting Support Group: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/lchf-living-intermittent-fasting/. One of the discussions that might be helpful is the Low-carb healthy fat living. Intermittent fasting. What’s your why?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/low-carb-healthy-fat-living-intermittent-fasting-whats-your-why/.
I shared my neuropathy journey in another discussion here - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/310341/.
Learning more about your condition and any changes you can make to help are one of the best things you can do. Good luck on your journey!
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3 ReactionsI do have sleep apnea, and use a CPAP machine. I have had three tests that record my sleep ( one was a 50 hour EEG). All three showed that I only have one period of REM sleep. That is not a refreshing night’s sleep! This could be related to so many factors, ones that I can’t change (mainly medications for neuropathy and well, sleep)! Anyway, this sleepiness is different. It’s really strong. And if I can’t succumb to it, like yesterday at church, I am dull, spacey, almost confused for hours until I can take a nap.
I think I know what you mean…my sleep isn’t good…and I have minor sleep apnea. I almost feel like I’m “sedated” tired. Naps then help alot. I think neuropathy affects the brain much more than we’re led to believe.
If you haven’t tried a cup of coffee mid day…give it a try.
I also find when I force myself to get moving and do something even though I’m very tired, I come out of it a bit. Less than a normal nights sleep raises havoc too.
Steve